Media contributions
2Media contributions
Title Marine Spatial Planning takes off across the island of Ireland: creating ripples or waves? Degree of recognition Regional Media name/outlet PlaNiT RTPI NI Media type Print Country/Territory United Kingdom Date 31/08/18 Description As planning professionals, we have had control over land for decades; yet, our seas have not been subject to same planning regulations. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a comprehensive approach to managing the ever-increasing competition for sea space. It aims to reduce the cumulative pressures different activities exert on the fragile marine ecosystems (Sheppard et al, 2017). What does this mean in practical terms? Take for example, a stretch of the sea along Belfast Lough, parts of the sea may be used for recreational purposes such as sailing, fishing, diving, bathing and jet skiing. In addition there are also commercial activities taking place alongside the recreation, namely; freight shipping, ferries, cruise liners, commercial fishing, dredging, waste disposal and increasingly for energy exploitation (wind, wave and tidal) that all must coincide spatially and temporally. In terms of prioritisation and allocation of these activities or uses and developments it is acknowledged that a full range of interests must be involved, including industry-based stakeholders, marine scientists, local communities, landowners, and advocacy groups such as the National Trust and RSPB. Asides the increase in activities we are also faced with environmental modifications in terms of rising sea levels, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and coastal erosion. As Defra (2011,pg.9) note in their practice guide a well-designed marine planning system will determine the preferred scenario and future direction of any given marine plan area by ensuring that all planning decisions are made strategically, not reactively, in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Persons Heather Ritchie Title Marine Planning takes off across the island of Ireland: creating ripples or waves? Degree of recognition Regional Media name/outlet PlaNiT RTPI NI Media type Print Duration/Length/Size 2 pages Country/Territory United Kingdom Date 3/05/18 Persons Heather Ritchie