North Sea Industry Leaders Participate in Webinar on MSP Opportunities and Challenges Organized by World Ocean Council (WOK) and Scottish Association for Marine Science.

15 March 2016

Ocean businesses gathered online to discuss the challenges and perspectives of marine spatial planning (MSP) in the North Sea region at a World Ocean Council (WOC) and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) webinar on Monday, 29 February 2016. Industry representatives were able to inform the approach to MSP in the North Sea and beyond and strengthen the network of ocean industry leaders in the region.

With the North Sea as an increasingly industrialized and crucial region for the EU maritime economy, both governmental bodies and companies have emphasized the need to minimize conflicts between existing and new offshore uses. With growing intensity of marine activities, increased demand for energy and space, and a number of maritime states bordering a shared sea area, North Sea states are pursuing development of MSP processes and considering harmonizing plans across the region.

To foster increased industry MSP understanding and engagement, the WOC/SAMS webinar hosted a diverse group of companies to identify: key challenges regarding MSP as a new tool, the opportunities and benefits MSP could create for industry, and ideas for industry leadership in MSP.

The WOC/SAMS webinar summary consolidates key points for marine planning leaders in the North Sea region to consider regarding the private sector. The summary is available on the WOC website and contributes to the development of industry perspectives on best practices, for existing and future MSP. Click here.

As the international, multi-industry leadership alliance on Corporate Ocean Responsibility, the WOC facilitates industry participation in MSP projects and other projects of the EU, e.g. Horizon 2020, and other government and inter-governmental bodies. WOC and SAMS appreciates the support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for the webinar.

For more information on WOC’s MSP Program, click here.

Source: World Ocean Council