"EU MSP News and EU MSP Flash" Newsletter Issues

Communicating MSP webinar: join us online on March 16th (16/03/2021)

Following the publication of the Communicating MSP handbook, this webinar hosted by the European MSP Platform and IOC UNESCO MSP Global will look at in more detail three chapters and three projects highlighted in the guide. We invite you to take part in this online exchange to learn more about key MSP projects with our guest experts and speakers. All Details about the agenda and registration are available on our website at: https://www.msp-platform.eu/events/communicating-msp-webinar

Finland: Maritime Spatial Plan 2030 approved (20/01/2021)

The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive was transposed into Finnish law in 2016 and after four years of collaboration with maritime sectors and experts, the first Finish maritime spatial plan has been approved by the eight coastal regional councils.

The first offshore solar and seaweed farm in the North Sea: a case of MSP (20/01/2021)

The EU-funded UNITED project has enabled two Dutch companies, Oceans of Energy and The Seaweed Company, to create the world’s first combined solar and seaweed farm in the North Sea, demonstrating that solar energy production and seaweed cultivation are possible in the same space. A demonstration that MSP and multiuse of space at sea is key for European Green Deal and Ocean based energies ambitions.

Revision of the MSPs for the German EEZ (20/01/2021)

Maritime spatial plans are already in place for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs and for the territorial sea areas. These plans are being assessed via an international consultation and a series of documents, together with a virtual open meeting on January 27th, are contributing to this revision.

Åland MSP consultation (20/01/2021)

The Government of Åland has presented its Maritime Spatial Plan proposal for its second consultation. Based on the Åland Islands Water Act legislation, this second MSP proposal aims to reinforce the achievement of Good Environmental Status and sustainable development, adding tools and resources such as interactive web map, MSP layer description and environmental report. The consultation (in Swedish) will close on 15th February 2021.

Aquaculture: biobased solutions for reduced carbon footprint (20/01/2021)

European projet BIOGEARS recently launched a consultation targeting aquaculture stakeholders to contribute and discuss opportunities for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional (non-biodegradable) aquaculture gears to be used in the aquaculture sector. A sector at the heart of sustainable and integrated use of the maritime space.

EMFF supports MSP in the Indian Ocean (20/01/2021)

Improving the use of ocean space, balancing interaction between human needs and the marine environment, increasing the participation of local communities... These are goals that EMFF project Océan Metiss is helping achieve in the Indian Ocean. On the coastline of La Réunion Island, local stakeholders are using an innovative, user-friendly tool called SEASKETCH in a collective MSP ambition. The project created 6 full time jobs so far. Marie-Noëlle Sinama-Valliamé, President of the Blue Institute: "The Océan Metiss project helps us widen the sea’s access, potential and benefits to everybo

3rd Forum of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean. (01/02/2021)

MedPAN, SPA/RAC, WWF, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and their partners, organise the 3rd edition of the Forum of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean.

One Mediterranean: practices, results and strategies for a common Sea (22/02/2021)

BlueMed CSA is organising its final conference from 22 to 24 February 2020, which will be broadcast from a digital hub located at the National Research Council (CNR, Italian acronym) in Rome, Italy.

Better Off Blue Conference (23/03/2021)

The Better Off Blue Conference, organised by the SUBMARINER Network and its members, will address Macroalgae, Innovative fish products, Mussels, Blue Bioeconomy Legislation and regulation and many more MSP related topics.

European Maritime Day 2021 (20/05/2021)

The European Maritime Day (EMD) 2021 will take place on 20-21 May in Den Helder, the Netherlands.

Communicating MSP: input wanted for webinar (21/01/2021)

Following the publication of the Communicating MSP guide, the EU MSP platform will organise an online workshop dedicated to the communication needs and priorities of MSP stakeholders. Take part to this preliminary survey to help us design this event and select the key topics you would like to discuss with MSP experts. To take part to the short survey click "more"

Black Sea - Fresh Thoughts (27/01/2021)

Workshop on integrating an ecosystem-based approach into maritime spatial planning - Case studies including the Black Sea.

Communicating MSP: new publication by European MSP Platform (06/11/2020)

The European MSP platform with the support of IOC UNESCO MSPGlobal2030 designed a guidance document dedicated to the communication of Maritime Spatial Planning. This interactive guide aims at helping MSP practitioners better communicate and engage with MSP stakeholders and the wider public at each step of the MSP process, from design to delivery. Highlighting examples and tools which can boost the efficiency and success of MSP consultation processes, event planning and digital communication, this handbook is packed with examples, ideas and success stories.

EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy (20/11/2020)

To help meet the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission today presents the EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy. The Strategy proposes to increase Europe's offshore wind capacity from its current level of 12 GW to at least 60 GW by 2030 and to 300 GW by 2050. The Commission aims to complement this with 40 GW of ocean energy and other emerging technologies such as floating wind and solar by 2050.

Marine renewables and European fisheries: analysing the impacts (06/11/2020)

A new study, requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, is now available online. The study provides an overview of the general impacts of the development of offshore renewables on fisheries in European sea basins.

Governance scheme for MSP in Greece (13/11/2020)

Recently published by the MSPMed project, the Governance scheme at National and sub-national levels for Spatial Planning in relation to MSP in Greece gives a useful insight into the Greek approach to MSP. The discussion, prepared by The Ministry of the Environment & Energy with the support of the University of Thessaly offers a detailed overview of projects and protocols followed to develop MSP for the Greek shores and waters.

MSP at the All-Atlantic Summit (06/11/2020)

The October All-Atlantic Summit 2020 was dedicated to “Clean and Productive Coasts, Bays and Estuaries”. MSP processes and ecosystem-based approaches and examples where highlighted during this event.

Development of offshore wind farms in Estonia (06/11/2020)

The development of the Saaremaa region offshore wind farm began in 2015, and is now supported by the Dutch company Van Oord, shareholder in Saare Wind Energy since October 2020. The company is developing an area of up to 200 sq km (77.2 sq mi) southwest of the Estonian Island Saaremaa. The area could host an offshore wind farm of more than 1,000 MW.

EMFF Blue Economy Info Day (24/11/2020)

EMFF opens a new Blue Economy Window call with a total budget of € 20 million. Join online our virtual info day and learn all what you need to know about the EMFF BlueInvest grants 2020.

Aquaculture sites in the Mediterranean and Marine Spatial Planning (24/11/2020)

As part of the MSPglobal Initiative, an online seminar is organised to discuss and exchange on how aquaculture sites are planned and how they contribute to Marine Spatial Planning in the Mediterranean.

CommOCEAN 2020 (01/12/2020)

Hands-on exercises in current science communication skills for disseminating ocean research and technology, with plenty of expertise-sharing, social interaction and fascinating marine science along the way. CommOCEAN 2020 01.12.2020 - 02.12.2020

SEArica Conference on the Black Sea (03/12/2020)

SEArica Conference on the Black Sea: How can regional frameworks foster sustainable Blue Growth in the Black Sea basin?

Effects of climate change in marine spatial planning: webinar material available (06/11/2020)

The materials from the webinar "Effects of climate change in marine spatial planning: pathways and solutions" conducted on 1 October 2020, are now available online. This webinar was hosted by University of Lisbon and NOVA-SBE and Tundi Agardy of Sound Seas.

MSP relevant information for Atlantic countries (17/09/2020)

A new Report was recently published by the SIMAtlantic project: "Description of MSP relevant information for Atlantic countries", an investigation of relevant information supporting the implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) in the European Atlantic.

Call for Free Access to Offshore Testing at EMEC (17/09/2020)

The MaRINET2 offers free access to a world-leading network of testing and research infrastructures. Successful applications will receive free access to four EMEC’s offshore test sites with varying resources and a range of associated testing equipment.

Marine Planning in Wales: updates on Welsh National Marine Plan (WNMP). (17/09/2020)

To communicate and enable easier access to the Welsh National Marine Plan policies and objectives, a series of webinars and web content on the Marine Wales website have been developed.

PERICLES: Integration and coordination of Cultural heritage policies within MSP (17/09/2020)

The latest deliverable of H2020 PERICLES project is providing evidence and insisting on the importance of participatory and deliberative approaches for integration and coordination of Cultural heritage policies within ICZM and MSP. Discover this project ressources and reports on the MSP-platform "practices" section.

14 solutions for positive interactions between windfarms and fisheries (17/09/2020)

Building on examples from North Sea countries and France, this recent publication provides a detailed overview of the principal sources of conflict between windfarms and fisheries, as well as a set of 14 solutions implemented to deal with them.

The EU Blue Economy Report 2020 (17/09/2020)

This year's edition of the Blue Economy report goes beyond looking at the economic performance of marine activities. The report highlights the need to preserve marine ecosystems to optimise potential benefits of ecosystem services and marine and maritime economic sectors. With this aim, the European Commission is investing in research, innovation and education to create a brighter blue future, even and particularly during this difficult period.

Our Baltic Conference: high level online conference on September 28th (28/09/2020)

#OurBaltic online conference will gather ministers, decision makers, scientists and stakeholders from NGOs and industry in the region and across the EU to discuss the challenges faced by this sea. In line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Zero Pollution ambition announced in the European Green Deal, the Conference will focus on how to reduce the pressure from fisheries and the input of pollutants, litter and contaminants, including pharmaceuticals.

Bluesolutions: marine spatial planning online seminar (28/09/2020)

Connect with a community of marine spatial planners, experts & peers to go beyond the theory and share your MSP stories from the ground.

Webinar: Climate change and MSP (01/10/2020)

As maritime spatial planning operates in a changing ocean, properly addressing and integrating climate effects is vital. This event will explore links with global ocean governance goals and sustainable development.

Webinar on Regional Seas Programmes and post-2020 global biodiversity framework. (01/10/2020)

The United Nations Environment Programme, the European Commission and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity will organize a webinar briefing on the Regional Seas Programmes and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework on 1 October 2020.

Malta Maritime Summit 2020 (05/10/2020)

The third edition of the Malta Maritime Summit will be held during the Malta Maritime Week on 5-9 October, 2020.

Cooperation Models for Ocean Knowledge and Innovation (12/10/2020)

Sea Tech Week session on "Cooperation Models for Ocean Knowledge and Innovation"

Blue Platform Workshop: MSP in Denmark (03/11/2020)

The Blue Platform Workshop: Maritime Spatial Planning in Denmark will be held on 3 November 2020.

BalticRIM MSP video resources (17/09/2020)

BalticRIM aims to bring together monument conservationists and spatial planners to improve integration of maritime heritage in the maritime spatial planning of the Baltic Sea. Watch their videos to learn more.

Balancing social, economic, cultural, and ecological objectives: IMECaN video resources for MSP (17/09/2020)

The videos of presentations from the Marine Spatial Planning Workshop: Balancing social, economic, cultural, and ecological objectives, organised by IMECaN on 17-19 August 2020, are now available online.

MSP in areas beyond national jurisdiction (06/08/2020)

A Marine Spatial Planning Framework for Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, published by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, is now available online. This document explores how marine spatial planning (MSP) could be applied within areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

Atlantic Action Plan 2.0 (06/08/2020)

An updated action plan for a sustainable, resilient and competitive blue economy in the European Union Atlantic area is now available on the EU website.

International Ocean Governance Consultation (15/07/2020)

Targeted consultation on International Ocean Governance is launched! The consultation aims at assessing development needs and options for the Agenda in light of today’s challenges and opportunities to deliver ocean-related targets of Agenda 2030 and in particular the Sustainable Development Goal on Conservation and sustainable use of the oceans (SDG14) in support of the European Green Deal.

Interactions between offshore wind farms and fisheries: recommendations (06/08/2020)

In view of the European objective to decarbonize Europe before 2050, there is a need to understand and anticipate future interaction and possible conflict between fisheries and windfarms and associated mitigating approaches. This short background study highlights several recommendations and guidelines for positive interactions between offshore wind farms and fisheries.

Place‐based approach for MSP in Greece (06/08/2020)

A new article of the SUPREME Project Team, entitled "Implementation challenges of maritime spatial planning (MSP) in Greece under a place‐based approach" is now available.

Study on the economic impact of maritime spatial planning (06/08/2020)

With maritime space in increasingly high demand due to competition between different sectors, Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) can be a determining factor for the development of the blue economy. This study aims to explore evidence of effects stemming from the current state of implementation of MSP, with a particular focus on economic effects, so to provide EU Member States with additional information on how to maximise its benefits.

Call for MSP Cross-border Projects: deadline extension (06/08/2020)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the 2020 Call for Proposals includes a number of novel concepts and eligibility conditions, the deadline for proposals submission is extended from 10 September to 10 November 2020.

Evaluating the benefits of MSP to blue economy sectors (30/06/2020)

The general objective of this study is to evaluate how MSP benefits specific blue economy sectors, with the aim to feed the results into relevant EU policies and Competent Authorities in charge of implementing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP).

MSP call for proposals under EMFF (09/06/2020)

Reminder! Two calls for proposals are currently available to support the establishment and implementation of Maritime Spatial Plans in the North + Baltic Sea and in the Outermost Regions.

DG ENV/MSFD 2020 call for proposals (01/07/2020)

The call for proposals “DG ENV/MSFD 2020” Marine Strategy Framework Directive is open: 4.700.000 € will be made available to support the preparation of the next 6-year cycle of implementation.

European response to COVID-19: focus on maritime sectors (03/06/2020)

While the COVID crisis swept across every member state and disrupted all sectors of the economy, what happened at sea? And how did Europe react to this crisis? With a majority of fleet locked ashore, auctions closed and shipping halted, the maritime sector has been severely impacted since April 2020. Hopefully, Europe and Member states teamed up to bring support to all aboard this same boat.

Oceans and Human Health – For an inclusive and holistic approach to marine planning (03/06/2020)

As populations worldwide are struggling out of the COVID crisis, the coast and the open sea never looked so appealing to individuals and their families as a free breathing space. - - - A contribution written for the MSP Newsletter by Easkey Britton PhD, SOPHIE project partner at National University of Ireland Galway.

Kickoff for MSPMED (03/06/2020)

In March 2020, the MSP-MED project “Towards the Spatial Plan of Mediterranean” (one of the awarded projects of the EMFF-MSP-2019 call for projects) was launched with the first on-line kick off meeting, taking place with the support of the AM MSP.

MSP in Finland: progress and consultation (03/06/2020)

After an international information and consultation webinar, the Finnish Maritime Spatial Draft Plan 2030 is now available for the national and international consultation.

An interactive Small-scale Fisheries (SSF) mapping tool (03/06/2020)

An interactive Small-scale Fisheries (SSF) mapping tool has been created to meet the ambitious targets set by the Regional Plan of Action for Small-scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

National updates in MSP: news from Germany (03/06/2020)

Germany is currently undertaking an MSP revision process in its EEZ. In April, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie - BSH) organized an international meeting to present and discuss the first concept for the revision of the maritime spatial plans for the German exclusive economic zone of the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

MSP Country fiches on the EU MSP Platform (03/06/2020)

Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece and Poland are the latest MSP country factsheets updated on the EU MSP Platform website.

18th Maritime Spatial Expert Group (MSEG) meeting (03/06/2020)

The 18th Meeting of the MSEG on MSP took place on Wednesday 13th May 2020. Due to the unprecedented circumstances at present, the meeting was held online.

Virtual Reality for Maritime Spatial Planning (03/06/2020)

Have you ever had the chance to visit an offshore wind farm in full operation? If you have, then what about an experimental farm with floating turbines? How instructional would it be if you could monitor its two-year construction process in only 15 minutes? Then jump into MSP in Virtual reality! - - - An MSP experience shared by the MSP Challenge project

MSP call for proposals under EMFF (09/06/2020)

Two calls for proposals were released for the North and Baltic Sea and one for the Outermost Regions.

INSPIRE principles within Maritime Spatial Planning (12/06/2020)

Webinar: INSPIRE principles within Maritime Spatial Planning

ESEW Green Deal and Ocean Observation (29/06/2020)

ESEW Green Deal and Ocean Observation

IMarEST Annual Conference 2020 (06/07/2020)

IMarEST Annual Conference 2020

EMODNET Decade achievements (22/09/2020)

EMODNET Decade achievements

MSP Country fiches (26/03/2020)

With the first national MSP action plans, the European MSP Platform aims to provide a home base for updates and news regarding the status of MSP in member states. On this page you will be able to see how every country is progressing their MSP agenda and how these are being implemented.

MSP project focus: Capacity for MSP (26/03/2020)

Strengthening the capacity of MSP stakeholders and decision makers is essential to achieve the European objectives in Maritime Spatial Planning. This is the objective of the INTERREG project Capacity4MSP.

Apply for the 2020 Atlantic Project Awards (27/03/2020)

The Call of Applications to select the 2020 Atlantic Project Awards related to the implementation of the Atlantic Action Plan is now OPEN.

Call for Papers (26/03/2020)

The special Issue of Planning Practice and Research is calling for papers from MSP researchers and experts.

A new report to support MSP in Finland (26/03/2020)

Finnish Ecologically Significant Marine Underwater Areas (EMMA) completed a report in support of the MSP. Its aim is to inform the marine spatial planners, experts, and general public about the state of the ecologically significant areas of the Finnish coast, applying the best possible data available.

A new MPA initiated by fishermen (19/03/2020)

Within the framework of LIFE project Marha, the largest integral marine reserve in the Occitanie region (France) has been created within the Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the Agathoise coast. The new Roc de Brescou marine reserve is a result of a partnership between the state, regional, and local (the city of Agde) governments, as well as various users of the sea, including the fishermen.

Invitation to Tender: “Baltic Regional Initiative – Applications" (18/03/2020)

A new invitation to tender, addressing innovation in Baltic pollution management via ESA's, is now open. It represents a call for ideas on how to address territorial planning, Baltic pollution management and environmental monitoring.

Study: investment for the sustainable development of the blue economy (27/03/2020)

This report details a recommendation for a much-needed Blue Economy Investment Platform (BEIP) to address major market failures to supply capital to high potential innovative young businesses.

The blue economy overview and EU policy framework (27/03/2020)

The blue economy: Overview and EU policy framework, an in-depth analysis by the European Parliamentary Research Service.

A selection of relevant webinars for MSP stakeholders (17/04/2020)

Webinar opportunities for MSP

Webinar: BigData in MarineScience (29/04/2020)

BigData in MarineScience & launch of the European Marine Board Future Science Brief

Webinar: Gaps in Protection of Important Ocean Areas (28/04/2020)

A Spatial Meta-Analysis of Ten Global Mapping Initiatives

Webinar: MSP Challenge (23/04/2020)

Exploring the complexity of marine/maritime spatial planning in a multi-player simulation (game)

The MSP Platform is back with a new team (10/02/2020)

The MSP Platform is back! Different team, but same objective: to offer support to EU Member States in implementing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). Our new experts promise to continuously bring together information on MSP experiences, funding and training opportunities, and in turn make it easily accessible in ready-to-use format for the benefit of the community at large.

MSP Platform Expert Group, Riga (04/02/2020)

On the 18 and 19 November 2019, in Riga, the MSP Assistance Mechanism organised the 17th Member States Expert Group on Maritime Spatial Planning.

Navigate the MSP platform website (04/02/2020)

The European MSP Platform enables users to stay informed about what is happening in Europe on Maritime Spatial Planning. Sections include: MSP projects; Practices database; European Commission MSP Studies; MSP Sectors and Conflicts; FAQ; Library; Glossary; News page; and Event calendar!

Find MSP experts and resources on social media (10/02/2020)

The European Maritime Spatial Planning Platform is a community of knowledge and expertise, whose mission is to facilitate and maximise communication opportunities between all stakeholders involved, our Twitter account is made just for that!

"The rundown" - latest updates to the website (10/02/2020)

The team has initiated an ongoing series on the website which directs readers to new content that has been added in the recent past. This edition guides you to sixteen new practices and seven new MSP projects that have been recently added to the platform.

Find all events and conferences on MSP Platform website (13/02/2020)

Find more interesting event and conferences on the European MSP Platform website.

ECOMAR end conference (03/03/2020)

Copenhagen, Denmark

2nd UfM Stakeholders Conference on Blue Economy - 10 – 11 March 2020 (10/03/2020)

Barcelona, Spain

International Coastal Symposium (20/04/2020)

Seville, Spain

MSP Forum 5th edition (27/04/2020)

Athens, Greece

Conference MSP NATURE 2020 (28/04/2020)

Berlin, Germany

European Maritime Day (14/05/2020)

Cork, Ireland

New documents for better understanding of the Welsh National Marine Plan (10/02/2020)

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Offshore energy report (10/02/2020)

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Irish Draft National Marine Planning Framework published (10/02/2020)

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EASME Ocean Health compendium (10/02/2020)

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