Marine Spatial Planning

Transcription

1 Sean Duffey 12/15/16 NRS 509 Annotated Bibliography Assignment Marine Spatial Planning The marine environment is an area that is becoming the topic of more and more interest due to a multitude of factors. These factors include the conservation of important marine habitats, the exploitation of marine resources, and the ability of the world s oceans to sequester carbon as anthropogenic inputs of greenhouse gases continue to change the climate globally. As industries and world populations continue to move toward the coast and into the ocean, local, regional, and national governments and policy makers must stay ahead of the curve in an attempt to correctly manage the marine environment. Marine spatial planning (MSP) is the process of managing the many different uses of the ocean. Taking an ecosystem based approach, current and future uses of the world s seas can be more effectively managed, with the hope of avoiding conflict between the many different stakeholders attempting to utilize ocean space (Douvere and Ehler, 2009). A tool that one could argue is required for effective marine spatial planning is some platform of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and/or remote sensing technology. The use of these tools is essential in order for policy makers to make the most informed decisions concerning the use of marine space. Many different tools within the various platforms of GIS can be used to analyze ocean space usage and value to coastal communities and the environment, especially with the help of remotes sensing data. One of these tools is public participatory GIS (PPGIS). PPGIS can be used to assess the public s interest in MSP, and how people in the community believe certain ocean areas should be managed and utilized. These technologies can use platforms such as plug-ins for Google Maps, where non-gis users can create maps in an easily accessible manner, which in turn can be used by researchers and policy makers to assess the importance of an area to the general public. Non-mapping surveys and interviews can also be done in conjunction with PPGIS, and can be incorporated into geospatial models to create an even more refined picture of public interest in the MSP operations of an area. For example, if an industrial corporation is attempting to utilize an area for some purpose, but a PPGIS survey indicates the area is heavily used for recreation and its aesthetic appeal, this information can be used by decision makers in the approval/denial process for the proposed project This information can be vital for MSP procedures, especially when concerned with conservation issues (Brown et al., 2016).

2 One of the most important forms of GIS usage in MSP is ArcGIS. ArcGIS has played an integral role in many different MSP research projects, and has proved to be a very effective tool for planning future ocean usages and establishing current marine spatial conditions. Projects that have used ArcGIS include the enactment of the first ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) in the United States, establishing artificial reefs in the Mediterranean Sea, altering aquaculture locations and operations in the Baltic Sea, and assessment of ocean usage by scientific researchers in the Pacific Northwest United States (Olsen et al., 2014; Tammi and Kalliola, 2014; Sherman et al., 2016). Many different analysis tools were utilized in these studies, including overlay procedures and unions to find the optimal locations for the target usage of any particular ocean space. Remote sensing data, including measurements of ocean currents with LIDAR technology, eelgrass bed mapping, and the usage of USGS maps created from aerial photographs. All of these technologies aided in the decision-making process and continual research into MSP. More specifically, GIS played a huge role in the implementation of the Rhode Island Ocean SAMP. The ocean SAMP was created in order to facilitate the locating process and permitting involved in installing an ocean wind farm off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island. Using ArcGIS, a Technology Development Index (TDI) was created to assess the potential environmental, engineering, and economic benefits and construction restraints of an offshore wind farm in this marine area. The TDI included many types of information, including effects on aquaculture operations, bird and mammal migratory patterns, view shed from Block Island, and the environmental and engineering concerns of running an underground cable. All of this data was also combined with a layer displaying the state, federal, and international jurisdictions in the waters in the area of interest. The source of much of this data was the combination of past scientific research, analysis done specifically for this study, as well as data from government entities like RIGIS and USGS. All of this data could not have been integrated without the use of GIS software, and has led to the successful creation of the first ever ocean SAMP as well as construction of an offshore wind farm, providing clean energy to many citizens of Rhode Island (Olsen et al., 2014). The use of GPS coordinates, although always relevant to successful GIS analysis, is especially important in MSP for moving data points. This can include the migration of marine organisms such as mammals and birds, or shipping and vessel traffic (Olsen et al., 2014; Coomber et al., 2016). Vessel coordinate systems, such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) have proven to be especially useful in mapping and adjusting shipping traffic, particularly on the large, industrial scale. Shipping traffic becomes an area of particular interest when conservation areas, like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs),

3 are located within shipping lanes. Using overlay procedures, shipping lanes that are coincident with MPAs can be established and potentially adjusted due to the invasion of a conservation area. Shipping traffic can impact marine organisms in a variety of ways, including sound pollution associated with sonar technology, and the potential risk involved with ships carrying hazardous material as well as oil. With the help of GIS technology, potentially problematic situations like these can be determined and adjusted to fulfill the needs of all the stakeholders interested in the betterment of ocean space planning (Coomber et al., 2016). Data on shipping traffic can be obtained from data repositories storing ship coordinates and movements, and MPA locations can be obtained from government run GIS data centers. Using GPS to locate migrating animals in the ocean environment has also proved to be critical in the MSP decision-making process. (Olsen et al.,2014; Coomber et al., 2016). The idea of co-location is another interesting prospect for MSP. As the ocean environment becomes continually and increasingly exploited, the most efficient use of marine space becomes ever more important. The prospect of co-location is the idea of creating areas that can be used for multiple purposes. One potential co-location opportunity would be establishing an offshore wind farm and using the bases of the individual wind turbines as substrate for aquaculture operations. To account for both of these different functions, a marine area must fulfill the requirements of both functions. For the wind turbines, this would be an area with optimal wind patterns and speeds (which could be accounted for through LIDAR detection of surface currents), and for aquaculture you would need to locate a relatively productive area but potentially avoiding areas susceptible to eutrophication (using SeaWifs data). By combining different sources of remote sensing data and incorporating them into some type of GIS software, along with data such as MPA locations, shipping lanes, fishing areas, etc. a suitable location for the co-occurrence of both a wind farm and aquaculture can be obtained (Gimpel et al., 2015). As mentioned earlier, models (like TDI) can be constructed with the help of a GIS (Olsen et al., 2014). Other, more general models can also be created in an attempt to suit MSP needs. Using methods like Bayesian statistics, models showing the potential consequences of certain MSP practices on particular ocean environments (Stelzenmuller et al., 2010). These models, although certainly not 100% accurate, can go a long way in assisting the decision-making process for marine spatial planners. GIS and remote sensing technology are critical to successful MSP. From identifying nutrient rich areas to locating shipping routes, some type of geospatial technology is critical for proceeding through best practices in managing coastal and oceanic areas. With the help of geospatial technology, policy makers and regulators will have the ability to make much more informed and successful decisions when dealing with multiple stakeholders in the oceanic environment.

4 Boucquey, N., L. Fairbanks, K. St. Martin, L.M. Campbell, and B. McCay The ontological politics of marine spatial planning: Assembling the ocean and shaping the capacities of Community and Environment. Geoforum. 75: In this article, the authors discuss how marine spatial planning (hereafter referred to as MSP) is a rapidly developing issue for government and policy makers as humans across the globe continue to exploit the worlds natural resources. With this exploitation of terrestrial natural resources, an increased effort is being put towards managing coastal and marine areas as humans turn to the oceans as a source of energy, food, recreation, and a number of other means of exploitation. The concept of ocean uses at the community level and differing uses of the oceanic environment by humans is examined throughout the article, identifying that policy makers must understand these differences to effectively determine the best management practices for any particular situation. This must be done with an assemblage of professional from differing backgrounds and expertise. The authors recognize the challenge of managing the ever-changing ocean, and compile different strategies for MSP and offer strategies for improving ocean management practices with more efficient uses of modern technology. One of the suggestions the authors propose is to improve the use of geospatial databases and technologies like GIS to map current and proposed future conditions of the area of interest, with the foresight to consider all concerned party s interests and provide a forum for presenting geospatial analysis data in a manner in which all parties can understand. One of the more interesting sections of the article explained the challenges GIS analysts face in preparing geospatial information that is relevant and adequate for policy makers to make informed decisions in MSP. The authors offer the optimistic outlook that with thorough analysis and understanding of geospatial data, further MSP projects can expand our knowledge and sustainable use of the ocean, rather than restrict it. Brown, G., J. Strickland-Munro, H. Kobryn, S.A. Moore Stakeholder analysis for marine conservation planning using public participation GIS. Applied Geography. 67:77-93 The goal of this study was to examine what values individuals place on certain areas of the coast and ocean environment through the use of a public mapping system. The authors note that marine protected areas (MPAs) cover a significantly lower portion of the ocean when compared to land cover of terrestrial nature reserves, and sought to attain data on how different stakeholders in a coastal area in Australia viewed the ocean and the importance of protecting its resources and ecosystems. To accomplish this task, the researchers established a public participation GIS system (ppgis) in which stakeholders who would be affected by the ocean management decisions (and who were non-experts in GIS) were identified and asked to assess their own preferences for MSP. The software used an interface incorporating Google maps, where participants could add geospatial data to a map of the area of interest in Kimberly, Australia based on their own preferences for how the area should be managed. Digital markers were established on the interface by users, and non-mapping surveys were also conducted to assess the respective volunteer s interest in the project. The authors recognize the bias that many volunteers were more than likely conservation enthusiasts, but note that a growing concern for environmental sustainability has been seen in this area, with off-shore oil drilling projects proposals being made to local governments.

5 Coomber, F.G., M. D Inca, M. Rosso, P. Tepsich, G. Notarbartolo di Sciara, and A. Moulins Description of the vessel traffic within the northern Pelagos Sanctuary: Inputs for Marine Spatial Planning and the management implications within an existing international Marine Protected Area. Marine Policy. 69: In this study, data on vessel traffic within a MPA devoted to the conservation of marine mammals was compiled and analyzed with the goal of aiding future MPA management practices. Vessel traffic can affect cetaceans through noise pollution, diversion of migratory routes and general movement, and can also result in cetacean death in boating accidents. The researchers found that passenger vessels comprised the most vessel traffic in the MPA, with cargo vessels also contributing a substantial amount of transits in the area. Hazardous material cargo vessels also frequented the area, which could propose another potential problem for the ecosystem the MPA is trying to protect. Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), which is a ship to ship and ship to shore technology that gives the GPS location of a vessel were used to determine which vessels entered the MPA, and how often. GIS was then used to map and calculate the vessel traffic within the MPA. GIS played an integral part in this study, helping to analysis boating traffic and further support the need for better MPA management pertaining to vessel movement in and out of conservation areas in the ocean. Gimpel, A., V. Stelzenmuller, B. Grote, B.H. Buck, J. Floeter, I. Nunez-Riboni, B. Pogoda, and A. Temming A GIS modelling framework to evaluate marine spatial planning scenarios: Co-location of offshore wind farms and aquaculture in the German EEZ. Marine Policy. 55: The authors of this article used a GIS model to determine suitable locations for both wind farms and aquaculture systems in the German EEZ in the North Sea. The researchers recognized the importance for research in the arena of MSP, and how usage of an area in the ocean for multiple functions can prove to be beneficial for all parties involved, including the environment. Statistically intensive parameters were established to determine the suitability of each site for differing aquaculture systems, including Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which harvest multiple species at different locations within a food web. Statistical inputs for the effects of choosing the incorrect sites were also determined and put into the workflow. With this workflow established, the GIS model was run, giving each of the study areas a suitability score based on all the input parameters. Based on a number of factors like depth, salinity, and temperature, different aquaculture options were given a suitability score for each area and incorporated into the geospatial analysis. The authors conclude that GIS models are a successful and reliable way to analyze space restrictions and potential uses in the marine environment. Olsen, S.B., J.H. McCann, and G. Fugate The State of Rhode Island s pioneering marine spatial plan. Marine Policy. 45: This paper focuses on the preparation, construction, and approval of the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), the first of its kind in the United States. The paper delves into the data development, analysis, and interdisciplinary approach needed to create a SAMP for the marine environment. The authors discuss the importance of balancing conservation and development plans in the ocean, and rely on their experience creating SAMPs for coastal areas for guidance and support. The motivation for this study and ultimately the creation of an Ocean SAMP stems from the need to

6 determine a suitable location for a wind farm off the coast of Block Island. GIS was used in the data analysis portion of the study, aiding in the determination of the most suitable location for the wind farm. Existing spatial data for the area of interest was incorporated into a GIS, succeeded by the input of new data collection. The system was then used to run analysis on the constraints and suitability of many sites within the study area. Data like marine mammal and bird migration patterns, federal and state water boundaries, and vessel routes were all incorporated into the GIS analysis, leading to the most suitable location for the wind farm construction. The GIS was also used to provide an easily readable, aesthetically pleasing product to present to all stakeholders of the proposed project. This innovative approach to MSP couldn t not have been accomplished without the use of a GIS. Sherman, K., A. Lanier, J.A. Barth, F. Conway, C. Risen, P.M. Kosro The Oregon Nearshore Research Inventory project: The importance of science and the scientific community as stakeholders in marine spatial planning. Ocean & Coastal Management. 130: In this article the authors researched the scientific uses of the ocean off the coast of Oregon. They compiled current and legacy projects occurring in ocean space, and inventoried and mapped them. Interviews with current oceanic researchers were also conducted. The authors recognized the importance of including scientific research in MSP, as it is the main source of new information that could be imperative to continued best practices in ocean management. An array of spatial data formats was compiled and converted to ESRI usable forms. The combination of shapefiles depicting the areas where scientific research was being conducted as well as the information gathered through the interviews was used to create ESRI shapefiles and associated attribute tables. These data were used to inventory scientific usage in the ocean, as well as represent the importance of preserving research in the ocean. All of these data also contributed to the larger scale project, the Oregon Nearshore Research Inventory, which was compiled with the goal to include scientific research areas in future MSP procedures. Stelzenmuller, V., J. Lee, E. Garnacho, S.I. Rogers Assessment of a Bayesian Belief Network-GIS framework as a practical tool to support marine planning. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 60: The authors of this paper set out to create a model that showed the effects of different MSP pressures on the ocean environment and the potential consequences associated with different ocean management practices. The Bayesian analysis was based on current knowledge of the ecosystems and ocean usage in the area of interest. GIS was incorporated into the study to create a model-based representation and analysis of the potential ocean management scenarios based on current stakeholders interests. The bulk of the study was concerned with predicting the impact of increased and continual human usage in the ocean on the ocean environment. A vector grid was established in GIS, with attribute tables containing data relevant to the proposed model. Layers of human usage were then added to the system and given scores on a scale 0-9 based on their potential impact and so the layers would be comparable with one another. Marine landscapes were another input into the system, with each cell pertaining to only one type of landscape, so the potential human impact on the area could be assessed. The authors concluded that this combination of Bayesian statistics and geographic information systems could be an effective way of determining best MSP practices. Tammi, I. and R. Kalliola Spatial MCDA in marine planning: Experiences from the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. Marine Policy. 48:

7 In this study the authors attempt to investigate the applicability of GIS and other combined analysis tools to MSP. One of the tools discussed is multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Two experimental situations were established: The siting of an artificial reef in the Mediterranean Sea, and the adjustment of aquaculture functions in the Baltic Sea. The authors discuss the importance of using some type of GIS when geographically relevant data is concerned, like in the case of ocean management practices. Spatial data from a variety of stakeholders were converted into forms usable for ArcGIS. Using the MCDA analysis, alternatives and potential procedures were created for the area of interest, and were incorporated into a raster layer, with each cell depicting its representative alternative or procedure. Local scientists and researchers were interviewed about particular interests and concerns about the area of interest, and R programming was used to include their responses in the GIS analysis. The overall role of GIS in this study was to create layers of spatial data comparable to one another to determine the potential location for the respective projects of interest, again showing the importance of geospatial technology and a source of geospatial analysis and representation in MSP.

8 References Boucquey, N., L. Fairbanks, K. St. Martin, L.M. Campbell, and B. McCay The ontological politics of marine spatial planning: Assembling the ocean and shaping the capacities of Community and Environment. Geoforum. 75: Brown, G., J. Strickland-Munro, H. Kobryn, S.A. Moore Stakeholder analysis for marine conservation planning using public participation GIS. Applied Geography. 67:77-93 Coomber, F.G., M. D Inca, M. Rosso, P. Tepsich, G. Notarbartolo di Sciara, and A. Moulins Description of the vessel traffic within the northern Pelagos Sanctuary: Inputs for Marine Spatial Planning and the management implications within an existing international Marine Protected Area. Marine Policy. 69: Douvere, F., C.N. Ehler New perspectives on sea use management: initial findings from European experience with marine spatial planning. Journal of Environmental Management. 90: Gimpel, A., V. Stelzenmuller, B. Grote, B.H. Buck, J. Floeter, I. Nunez-Riboni, B. Pogoda, and A. Temming A GIS modelling framework to evaluate marine spatial planning scenarios: Co-location of offshore wind farms and aquaculture in the German EEZ. Marine Policy. 55: Olsen, S.B., J.H. McCann, and G. Fugate The State of Rhode Island s pioneering marine plan. Marine Policy. 45: spatial Sherman, K., A. Lanier, J.A. Barth, F. Conway, C. Risen, P.M. Kosro The Oregon Nearshore Research Inventory project: The importance of science and the scientific community as stakeholders in marine spatial planning. Ocean & Coastal Management. 130: Stelzenmuller, V., J. Lee, E. Garnacho, S.I. Rogers Assessment of a Bayesian Belief Network-GIS framework as a practical tool to support marine planning. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 60: Tammi, I. and R. Kalliola Spatial MCDA in marine planning: Experiences from the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. Marine Policy. 48:

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