Marine Planning Case Studies

The following case studies illustrate the use of marine spatial planning (MSP) and ecosystem-based management (EBM) to address multiple objectives. The case studies show how decision support methods and interactive decision support systems are applied in practice.

Case Study 1: Coastal Hazards + Biodiversity Conservation

This project identified coastal wetlands that are valuable for both supporting biodiversity and protecting human populations from storm damage. Read more...

Case Study 2: Energy Development + Biodiversity Conservation

This project established a zoning scheme for offshore oil and gas exploitation that also protects priority areas for biodiversity conservation. Read more...

Case Study 3: Fisheries + Biodiversity Conservation

This project developed specific management options to meet objectives for both fishery production and biodiversity conservation. Read more...

Case Study 4: Biodiversity Conservation in Land + Sea + Freshwater

These projects used an integrated, spatial analysis of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems in a region. They identified networks of potential protected areas that would meet goals for biodiversity conservation with lower economic costs than when ecosystems were analyzed separately. Read more...