Charles Ehler and Fanny Douvere provide a 10 step approach to marine (maritime) spatial planning, taking into account ecosystem-based management (1). They pronounce that “MSP does not lead to a one-time plan. It is a continuing, iterative process that learns and adapts over time. The development and implementation of MSP involves a number of steps, including:
“These 10 steps are not simply a linear process that moves sequentially from step to step. Many feedback loops should be built into the process. For example, goals and objectives identified early in the planning process are likely to be modified, as costs and benefits of different management measures are identified later in the planning process. Analyses of existing and future conditions will change, as new information is identified and incorporated in the planning process. Stakeholder participation will change the planning process as it develops over time. Planning is a dynamic process and planners have to be open to accommodating changes as the process evolves over time. Comprehensive MSP provides an integrated framework for management that provides a guide for, but does not replace, single-sector planning. For example, MSP can provide important contextual information for marine protected area management or for fisheries management, but does not intent to replace them” (1).
This approach already integrates major ideas of ICZM and clearly shows the close relationship between ICZM and maritime spatial planning. An example is that MSP is perceived as a continuing, iterative and adaptive process that develops in feedback cycles. However, while ICZM focusses on solving concrete problems, MSP remains more conceptual and provides a framework for management. Further, ICZM has a local to regional spatial scale, while MSP spatially covers larger areas, such as national territorial seas or entire seas.
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