V14M_24- Marine Spatial Planning: An Introduction to Protecting our Ocean and Coastal Resources

This course provides an introduction to marine spatial planning and how this tool can be used to protect oceans and coastal resources.  Marine spatial planning is an approach to protecting ocean and coastal resources that focuses on ecosystem function and services. It allows planners, resource managers, designers and policymakers to locate and protect critical oceanic and coastal resources while accommodating appropriate uses to take place. This course includes case studies on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Spatial Plan in Australia, and the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP). The course also discusses ocean zoning and other tools used to implement marine spatial plans.