Spatial Planning vs. Ocean Sprawl

Almost a year since I first wrote about the research presented by Fanny Douvere and Bud Ehler on marine spatial planning and management to avoid ocean "sprawl and brawls", this concept is getting attention in mainstream media. 

CNN's recent article touches on many of the marine spatial planning concepts that, a short time ago, seemed too wonky to grab the attention of the general public.  The increased interest in ocean planning is in no small part because of President Obama's June 12 proclamation that our nation needs to develop, not only a national ocean policy, but also a framework for "effective coastal and marine spatial planning". 

Worldwide, our ocean systems are experiencing a silent collapse as a result of pollution, destruction of productive marine habitat, increased strain on fish populations and global warming-induced impacts, such as higher water temperatures, shifts in currents and acidification. The oceans already host shipping, fishing, defense, and many types of recreational activities. Increased ocean activities and development, if not carried out wisely, will cause "ocean sprawl," further stressing our valuable ocean resources and jeopardizing the food, jobs and recreation our oceans provide. 

Marine spatial planning is defined as the process of analyzing and allocating ocean space for specific uses to achieve specified ecological, economic and social objectives.  To protect the health of our oceans, marine spatial planning holds great promise to ensure that any new industrial activities in the ocean occur in a careful and environmentally responsible manner.