Supporting Implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning in the Atlantic region

SIMAtlantic seeks to strengthen links between those working on MSP in five Atlantic sea basin countries. This will be achieved through developing an ‘Atlantic vision’ for MSP in the region based upon findings from a series of linked case studies and cross-cutting themes to be conducted during the project, whilst also recognising the geographic characteristics of the Atlantic region, current spatial uses and needs and existing governance arrangements.

The overall objectives of the proposal are to support the establishment and implementation of Maritime Spatial Plans in line with MSP Directive requirements. Through a collaborative approach to the project work, partners in the consortium will have the opportunity to work together in an Atlantic transboundary context to transfer information and knowledge and ultimately build lasting relationships to advance cross-border cooperation on MSP.

Four Cross-cutting Themes will be advanced in the project. These largely correspond to specific provisions in the EU MSP Directive and relate to

1. governance
2. cumulative effects/impacts assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment
3. data and information
4. Land-sea interactions

All project results are available on the SIMAtlantic website, and descriptions of key deliverables can be found under the links listed under Practices in the left menu.

Coordinator:

University College of Cork (UCC) - Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland

Partners:

• Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) (IE)
• SHOM (FR)
• University of Liverpool (UL) (UK)
• Agence Francaise pour la Biodiversity (AFB) (FR)
• Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) (NI/UK)
• Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
• Centres d'études ed d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagement (CEREMA) (FR)
• University of Aveiro (UAVR) (PT)
• Direçao Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços (DGRM) (PT)
• Instituto Espanõl de Oceanografia (IEO) (ES)