Framing the need for marine spatial planning based on socio-ecological and policy contexts in southeast Australia
This project uses a data-driven approach to examine how the socio-ecological context of areas of interest – e.g., 'fully allocated' vs 'open' systems – and marine policy and regulations in place, influence the necessity and scope of implementing a marine spatial planning process. The project uses case studies in southeast Australia where new ocean activities are emerging: coastal and marine ecosystem restoration and the development of offshore renewable energy, across multiple jurisdictions (the states of Victoria, Tasmania and the federal government), therefore potentially leading to conflicts by shifting uses and socio-economic or cultural values.
The project will:
- conduct a review on methods and implications of density of activities in marine spatial planning;
- synthesize and contrast coastal and open ocean socio-ecological and policy contexts to provide space for emerging ocean activities using southeast Australia as a case study; and,
- propose an approach to identify areas that would benefit from MSP, and when applicable any roadblocks inhibiting its implementation.
Selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in the handling of spatial data with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, R, Python)
- Experience and/or knowledge of marine policy, marine resource management, and/or ocean governance
For further information on the project, please click here.
