Search for: All records

Abstract This paper offers a comprehensive, analytical, and critically informed overview of the current state of ocean multi-use research. It delves into the origins, trajectory, and driving forces behind this emerging research field, all within the broader context of investigations addressing the management of increasingly diverse and intensifying activities at sea. The Bibliometrix R package is employed to analyze the social, geographical, and conceptual dimensions of multi-use scientific production. The results obtained are then compared to a larger corpus of publications focusing on both multiple-use Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Finally, the paper addresses research gaps, with a particular emphasis on the transdisciplinary challenges associated with translating this new marine policy concept into practical implementation and extending its application beyond European seas. 

Human activity along our coasts and throughout our oceans has been increasing over the past few decades. In 2017, the output of the global Blue Economy was estimated at €1.3 trillion, and that value is expected to more than double by 2030. Offshore wind and tourism are major sectors in the blue economy, and they have the potential to function jointly through multi-use, thereby creating added benefits for both sectors as well as society overall. To contribute to the assessment of multi-use’s viability, this project has evaluated existing areas where offshore wind and tourism are successfully infused together and globally identified additional areas where they are likely to work together. Taking advantage of multi-use is becoming increasingly beneficial. By having industries function jointly in the same space, instead of parceling out ocean space by industry, the blue economy can remain sustainable and competitive. Early identification of these areas viable for offshore wind and tourism multi-use is important not only to businesses and coastal communities, but to the sustainable future of our oceans. The areas that are likely to benefit the most from this form of multi-use can be identified using GIS to analyze ocean space. First, datasets including ship density, wind speed, light at night, and tourism arrivals were used to understand both environmental and social factors indicative of supporting this form of multi-use. Then, these factors were spatially quantified and aggregated together in ArcGIS to identify locations best suited to combining offshore wind and tourism. Results indicate a higher potential for multi-use success in higher populated and more developed regions. Low population limits the potential for this type of multi-use in many areas, but a smaller-scale, regional analysis would provide more detailed insight into specific regions. 

The ocean is vast, but there is limited space for increasing uses, especially in coastal areas where fishing, aquaculture, transportation, tourism, energy and mineral extraction, and other activities occur. Collaboration and creativity are needed to maximize benefits and reduce conflicts. Multi-use (MU) is defined as the intentional joint use of ocean space and resources by two or more users in close geographic proximity. It represents a significant change from the concept of exclusive resource rights and aims to achieve the sharing of resources and finding synergies. MU has gained attention in recent years and has been highlighted in European Union policy and research programs, but there is limited experience with MU enactment and evaluation of its ramifications. The MULTI-FRAME project, awarded by the Belmont Forum with funding from national governments, is a multi-disciplinary partnership involving 7 countries. The project is exploring the potential for MU in 6 case studies with varying uses to understand strengths and challenges. A literature review of many tools and techniques used in marine spatial planning and other resource decision-making was first conducted. Based on this review and anticipated stakeholder engagement, a comprehensive yet flexible approach was developed to assess the potential of ocean MU. The planned approach generally follows the “Orders of Outcomes” of Olsen (2003), which is a framework used to gage progress toward the goals of integrated coastal management. A similar approach was successfully employed to guide the citing of the U.S.’s first offshore windfarm in Rhode Island and has advanced management in numerous countries and communities around the globe. A critical focus will be the evaluation of “enabling conditions” for MU potential, determining the possibility for scaling up implementation geographically and with respect to governance levels. Stakeholder engagement in the case studies will employ and refine the assessment approach.