Tools to Inform Decision Making | Use/Resource Compatibility Analysis


The Situation

There are numerous use compatibility analyses available to inform MSP but available assessments are typically for general demonstration purposes and therefore not specific to ocean uses and resources in MA waters

The Project

MOP assessed the potential compatibilities between uses and among uses and resources in MA waters, finding that compatibility was most often spatially and temporally conditional.  The MOP team further researched the temporal and spatial considerations, potential siting standards and mitigation measures associated with a set of emerging uses to inform development of the MA Ocean Plan.

Role in Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning

Determining the compatibilities between uses and among uses and resources is an important step towards understanding and informing the tradeoff decisions that are inherent in CMSP.  EEA employed the use/resource compatibility analysis as a central tool in developing the first generation MA ocean management plan.

Challenges & Applications

The temporal and spatial considerations, siting standards, and mitigation measures identified in this report can inform CMSP initiatives in other locations.

Effective marine spatial planning requires an understanding of the compatibilities between and among human uses and ocean resources in order to reduce conflict, minimize impacts and maximize ecosystem service provision.