A marine spatial plan for the Belgian Part of the North Sea

Abstract:

These brochures summarize the marine spatial plan for the Belgian Part of the North Sea.

Sea Basin(s):

North Sea

Country:

Belgium

Year:

2014

Application in MSP:

Taken into account in an MSP process

Sectors:

Not sector specific

Type of Issue:

Coexistence of uses

Data

Economic aspects

Environment aspects

Social aspects

Stakeholders

Type of practice:

Handbook

Stage of MSP cycle:

Develop and implement plan

Cross-border / trans-national aspect:

Key words:

Source / Links:

Brochure_Something_is_Moving_at_Sea.pdf

Download

Questions this practice may help answer

What is the approach to marine planning in Belgium?
What are the objectives for individual sectors and interests in the Belgian part of the North Sea?
What are the key issues to be addressed by marine planning in Belgium?
How can such information be displayed in an accessible way

Implementation Context

The Belgian part of the North Sea is one of the most intensively used seas in the world. Shipping, tourism, fisheries, sand exploitation, wind farms, etc. Belgian authorities have drawn up a marine spatial plan for the Belgian part of the North Sea to address conflict and manage different activities.

This plan lays out principles, goals, objectives, and long-term vision, and spatial policy choices for the management of the Belgian territorial sea and EEZ. Management actions, indicators and targets addressing marine protected areas and the management of human uses including commercial fishing, offshore aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, shipping, dredging, sand and gravel extraction, pipelines and cables, military activities, tourism and recreation, and scientific research are included. A draft plan and future spatial visions were approved by the Council of Ministers in 2013, after a process of consultations and advice from a newly established advisory commission on MSP, in addition to expert consultation, stakeholder participation and preparation of a strategic environmental assessment of the plan. Cross-border consultation was carried out with the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. The plan will be reviewed every six years and is legally binding.

This brochures summarizes the marine spatial plan for our North Sea in an accessible way.

Aspects / Objectives

To develop a MSP for Belgian waters.
To provide accessible information on line for stakeholders on the Belgian marine plan.

Method

The online document was compiled building on information regarding activities in the Belgian marine area and outlining a spatial approach to their management.