Ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning assessment tool

A tool to assess if a spatial plan is aligned with ecosystem-based management criteria

The Ecosystem-Based Management Assessment Tool is designed to help evaluate the alignment of spatial plans with essential ecosystem-based management criteria. This tool provides valuable insights for both implemented plans and those in the early stages of development.

ACCESS TO THE SOFTWARE

Key Features

• Standardized Evaluation: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of spatial plans, identifying specific actions for improvement during review and adaptation phases.
• Pre-Planning Guidance: Ensure that the spatial plans fulfil ecosystem-based management criteria from the beginning, enhancing the effectiveness of the planning process.
• Cost-Effective Strategy Development: Utilize best practice guidance to define the plan development strategy, making the planning process more efficient and resource-conscious.

EB-MSP Assessment Checklist

The EB-MSP assessment checklist can be responded to in different ways or with different perspectives depending on the scope of the assessment:

• If the aim is to assess if a certain national MSP is fulfilling EBA, then it should be filled according to the legislative documents (as well as considering the whole MSP process before reaching the final document, e.g., assessing phase).
• In case a planning site represents an area in which an MSP is not in place, the user can assess the work already done towards EB-MSP development. This includes assessment of cumulative impact, the implementation of Systematic Conservation Planning approaches, or any previous research (e.g., research projects) that is producing or has produced information and knowledge useful for informing the future development of a spatial plan.
• In case a planning site covers a transboundary region, the user can assess the individual national MSPs to evaluate commonalities or differences in terms of EB-MSP criteria.

Video-tutorial of the tool

This tool serves as a practical resource for planners and decision-makers, promoting a balanced approach to spatial planning that prioritizes ecological integrity and sustainable resource management.

It has been developed by AZTI within the framework of the MarinePlan European project and it is available for free through this link.