Predictability is key

MSP can help with this as it introduces more stability into the regulatory environment, allowing companies to carry out long-term planning.

For their part, industry users of the oceans such as ports and harbours, ship operators and organisations that depend on ships for transport, need to work with planners and other users to make sure that their voice is heard. This can include working within their industry associations, and with their political representatives, to make sure that the steps taken in MSP take their needs into account.

In an article published after the Summit, co-chair Jay Walmsley of Golder Associates wrote: “What was clear from discussions at the summit was that ocean industries need to get involved in marine spatial planning in their local areas of interest. They could find out if there are marine spatial planning efforts underway in regions where they are most likely to develop projects, and then participate as a stakeholder in the planning process. If available, they could share data with the planning authorities.”

The World Ocean Council also welcomes participation from industry members, providing an international platform for presenting issues and possible solutions.