It’s Everyone’s Ocean: Incorporating Stakeholders in Marine Spatial Planning
February 28, 2012
1:00 – 2:00pm Eastern
Efforts at Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) have been gaining momentum around the U.S. in recent years. These projects involve addressing various uses of our marine and coastal waters – including fishing, tourism, transportation, offshore renewable energy, and others – and so need to incorporate user groups and other stakeholders in the process. Stakeholders have participated in these planning exercises to various degrees. One case study, the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP) will be discussed, including efforts at including stakeholders, lessons learned, and ongoing initiatives to engage stakeholders in the process of implementation. Recommendations for agencies and groups wishing to engage stakeholders in Marine Spatial Planning in the future will be discussed.