EBM, MSP and MPA: Explained

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is presently the most widely used tool for implementing ecosystem-based management (EBM) in the marine environment. EBM may or may not include marine protected areas (MPA).

There are two categories of MSP

• #1 aims to support conservation and can be used for the creation of MPAs.
• #2 aims to support sustainable development and manage competing maritime activities and doesn’t need to include MPAs.

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most well-known example of MSP is the Sea Change Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan.

MSP is a useful tool for EBM, but it's not the only one, and there are differences between the two.

• MSP manages a defined area, while EBM manages connections and dynamics
• EBM embraces the concept of ki uta ki tai (mountains to sea)
• The time scale of EBM tends to be longer than for MSP
• MSP is usually top-down, while EBM is more likely to come from a bottom-up process
• Who gets a seat at the table tends to differ between the MSP and EBM process
• MSP is data intensive, EBM doesn't have to be

MSP, EBM and MPA can work together, but can also be used independently for managing marine ecosystems.