In order to promote a successful implementation of coastal and marine policy, supporting tools that can be applied to support decision-making are needed, in order to reach a sustainable management of the coastal and marine environment. So called Decision Support Tools (DSTs) cover a wide variety of tools including quantitative assessment tools, model-based management tools or tools that support participation processes and that can cover a variety of components, ranging from environmental descriptors (e.g. biodiversity and pollution) to economic or social evaluations.

In the context of ICZM there is strong need for DSTs that can support the participation process throughout the steps of the ICZM cycle. For instance, quantitative models, GIS-based mapping tools, or indicator-based assessment tools can be used in combination with qualitative information within stakeholder workshops, in order to provide information to the participants or to extract information or opinions of the participants.

Numerous DSTs to support ICZM or MSP have been developed, but their application in practice often remains low. Consequently, user-friendly and freely available tools, which can be applied with little technical skills and in a variety of contexts are needed. In the following sub-chapters several DSTs that are easily applicable and can be used to support participation processes within the ICZM cycle will be introduced.