Decision support tools in marine spatial planning: Present applications, gaps and future perspectives. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pınarbaşı, Kemal; Galparsoro, Ibon; Borja, Ángel; Stelzenmüller, Vanessa; Ehler, Charles N.; Gimpel, Antje
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 83(2017)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Marine spatial planning -- Management plan -- Maritime activities -- Spatial use conflicts -- Spatially explicit tools -- Scenarios; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2017.05.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence-based decision making is an essential process for sustainable, effective, and efficient marine spatial planning (MSP). In that sense, decision support tools (DSTs) could be considered to be the primary assistant of planners. Although there are many DSTs listed in tool databases, most of them are conceptual and not used in real MSP implementation. The main objective of this review is to: (i) characterize and analyse the present use of the DSTs in existing MSP implementation processes around the world, (ii) identify weaknesses and gaps of existing tools, and (iii) propose new functionalities both to improve their feasibility and to promote their application. In total, 34 DSTs have been identified in 28 different MSP initiatives with different levels of complexity, applicability and usage purposes. Main characteristics of the tools were transferred into a DST matrix. It was observed that limited functionality, tool stability, consideration of economic and social decision problems, ease of use, and tool costs could be considered as the main gaps of existing DSTs. Future developments are needed and should be in the direction of the specific need of marine planners and stakeholders. Results revealed that DST developments should consider both spatial and temporal dynamics of the ocean, and new tools should provide multi-functionality and integrity; meanwhile they should be easy to use and freely available. Hence, this research summarised current use, gaps, and expected development trends of DSTs and it concludes that there is still a big potential of DST developments to assist operational MSP processes. Highlights: 34 decision support tools for marine spatial planning process have been reviewed. DSTs were used for site selection, environmental assessment and communication. Gaps related to functionality, stability, usability, and costs have been detected. Future tool developments should provide multi-functionality and integrity.