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Industrial development is on the rise in ocean waters. So-called ocean spatial planning seeks to balance development and ocean protection by using science to identify the most delicate ocean areas and directing industry elsewhere.
To many people, the oceans remain an enigma, a blank sheet of sparkling water beneath which we can imagine all is well. But in many places, all is not well: temperatures are rising, corals are bleaching, the oceans are turning more acid from absorbing excess CO2 pollution, land-based pollution is fouling salt water, overfishing has left fish stocks diminished and habitat damaged from trawlers. Already, it's a death by a thousand cuts.
But industrial activities in oceans can also harm ecosystems: oil and gas extraction, sand and gravel mining, installation of underwater pipelines and utility cables, commercial shipping, aquaculture. New activities are also popping up: offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. When too many of these projects cluster in close proximity, it results in industrial sprawl, putting further pressure on already distressed natural habitats.
Because the oceans are governed by many different agencies and laws, balancing ecosystem protection and economic development can be difficult.
To facilitate these projects while protecting the ocean’s natural resources — which provide us with many useful ecosystem services — Massachusetts thought it needed a plan. Leading on this issue in the United States, Massachusetts developed the Mass Ocean Plan as part of the Massachusetts Oceans Act of 2008. The management plan was formed with input from state legislators and agencies, fishing groups, the energy and utility industries, and environmental groups. Rhode Island followed suit in 2010.
But state waters only extend three miles offshore. Federal waters have much greater reach, from three to 200 miles offshore. In 2009, President Obama created an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force to study and recommend strategies for better stewardship of U.S. ocean waters, coasts, and the Great Lakes.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
“Coastal and marine spatial planning identifies areas most suitable for various types or classes of activities in order to reduce conflicts among uses, reduce environmental impacts, facilitate compatible uses, and preserve critical ecosystem services to meet economic, environmental, security, and social objectives.”
The result, last year, was the first national ocean policy (PDF) and the establishment of the interagency National Ocean Council (NOC). Under it, federal agencies, ocean users, industries, and coastal communities are developing regional ocean use plans, including action recommendations. Marine spatial plans are to be developed by nine regional planning bodies as early as 2015.
The ocean business community has hurried to participate in ocean spatial planning. The recently formed World Ocean Council held the “first ever meeting of ocean industries” this summer in Washington, D.C.: the National Business Forum on Marine Spatial Planning. WOC’s goal is to make sure business’ voice is heard at the table as these policies are developed. It says:
In a global, interconnected ocean "commons,” the actions of one company or even an entire sector are not enough to address cumulative impacts of growing ocean use by a diverse range of industries. There is clearly a need for ocean industries to collaborate within and across sectors to address impacts, reduce conflicts, develop proactive ocean sustainability leadership, and constructively engage other stakeholders.
WOC promises member businesses reduced risk, a louder voice, and an improved image. Marine spatial planning is also developing in Australia, Europe, and other areas.
