The general objective of this study is to evaluate how MSP benefits specific blue economy sectors, with the aim of feeding the results into relevant EU policies and Competent Authorities in charge of implementing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). The specific aims of this study are twofold: to explore the evidence of effects stemming from the current implementation of MSP, with a particular focus on economic effects; to provide Member States with additional information on how to maximise benefits from MSP.
QUESTIONS THIS PRACTICE MAY HELP ANSWER:
- What are the challenges to measuring economic benefits from MSP?
- Does MSP generate economic benefits?
- What are the benefits of MSP?
- Which blue economy sectors does MSP benefit the most?
- How do stakeholders view MSP?
- What remains to be learned?
IMPLEMENTATION CONTEXT:
The document has been prepared for the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (European Commission). It was written by COGEA in association with CETMAR, POSEIDON, Seascape Belgium, and Universidade de Vigo.
ASPECTS / OBJECTIVES:
The specific aims of this study are twofold: 1) to explore the evidence of effects stemming from the current implementation of MSP, with a particular focus on economic effects. 2) to provide Member States with additional information on how to maximise benefits from Maritime Spatial Planning.
METHOD:
The study was carried out in five phases: i) conducting peer and grey-literature reviews of the economic impact of MSP; ii) dissecting the reviewed papers and reports thoroughly to benchmark methods to be used for the study; iii) drafting a list of methodological gaps together with methods to bridge them; iv) conducting five case studies to measure the economic impact of MSP in Belgium, Germany (Baltic Sea), Scotland, Norway (North Sea and Skagerrak) and Rhode Island (USA); and v) submitting a draft version of the study to a peer-review group made up of economists, MSP experts and other stakeholders. The process culminated in a workshop held in Brussels on 29 October 2019.
MAIN OUTPUTS / RESULTS:
The study identifies the challenges to measuring economic benefits from MSP and provides a number of case studies. It then discusses economic benefits generated by MSP, as well as lessons learned from the case studies. In particular, the case studies reveal that MSP may foster economic growth. The study then provides the types of benefits that MSP can bring, identifies which blue economy sectors MSP benefits the most, and discusses the perceptions of MSP by stakeholders. In conclusion, the study outlines future perspectives.
TRANSFERABILITY:
The findings of this study are applicable to any MSP process.
Responsible Entity:
Cogea.
Costs / Funding Source:
The study was funded by the European Commission.
Contact person:
Alessandro Pititto (Cogea).