MARINFORSK-Marine ressurser og miljø

Demand for and pressure on ocean space and the environment is continuously increasing. Sustainable development of the ocean can no longer rely on single-sector management, but requires a more holistic, integrated approach. Several innovative ocean multi-use (MU) concepts proposed by the scientific and business community could contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of ocean space. Few are implemented, due to a lack of knowledge on potential impacts for economy and marine environments. Multi-Frame aims to increase the knowledge and capacity of public and private actors for ocean MU systems, by providing concrete open-source tools, assessment results and best practice examples. In Norway, a desk study was first conducted to review the potential multi-uses scenarios in Norway. Semi-structured interviews were selected as a suitable method to (i) assess the level of knowledge, and (ii) access detailed information on opinion and attitudes about multi-use in Norway. Interviews enable an in-depth study of complex behaviour and motivation by collecting a variety of opinions and practices. A PESTEL analysis conducted during a workshop with the partners of the MULTI-Frame consortium identified key questions in each of the topics (politics and governance, legal and regulation, economic, social, technology). Fifteen interviews were conducted between Mai and September 2022 with a selection of stakeholders from various sectors related to the Norwegian case study. The stakeholders were identified by using a stakeholder analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out using a focus guide. The guide was divided in three sections. The first section evaluates the background, relationships, and role of the actors in the multiuse sector. The second one was divided in 6 thematic topics from which the interviewee could chose 2 to 3 topics for further discussion. The third and last section was a single question that investigated the participants opinions about the future actions to conduct in order to increase understanding and implementation of multi-use. The data from the interviews are currently being processed according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Further, a dedicated website section has been developed: https://www.submariner-network.eu/multi-frame. A ‘What is multi-use’ video has been produced by s.Pro to improve the awareness and literacy about the ocean multi-use concept. The video, along with the other communication material, is also being used in the communication with interviewees for the ocean multi-use assessment in each of the case studies. The consortium has worked on the multi-use definition and conducted the external review of the definition, and the project database of ocean multi-use examples via the first project webinar. In addition, an Ocean Multi-Use Assessment Approach (MUAA) has been co-developed in a collaborative manner engaging all the partners and seeking validation from stakeholders. The MUAA was validated in an online interactive session with stakeholders and Advisory Board. The aim of the MUAA is to provide a practical and easy to use tool for planners on how to consider ocean multi-use in their planning processes. It is currently being implemented and tested in 5 case studies. The results of its implementation will serve to finetune the MUAA. Finally, a structure for the Blueprint has been developed, and the four worldwide case studies are implemented as examples. The final Blueprint report is under preparation. Results are expected to encourage relevant actors to systemically consider the MU concept in their planning and sustainability assessment practices in streamline with relevant ocean policies. The assessment approach and the scenarios will feed into the final product of Multi-Frame, the 'Ocean Multi-Use Toolkit', meant to assist planners when deciding on the most optimal combination of uses in a given marine space, taking into consideration an equitable distribution of possible benefits while avoiding, minimizing or mitigating negative impacts. The Toolkit will aid the decision-making processes of authorities and businesses venturing into offshore activities or developments.

MULTI-FRAME aims to increase the knowledge base and capacity of public and private actors for sustainable ocean multi-use (MU), by providing concrete open source tools, assessment results and best practice examples. Results are expected to encourage relevant actors to systemically consider the MU concept in their planning and assessment practices and to streamline it in relevant ocean policies.Project will fine-tune its approach by building scenarios together with a wide range of relevant stakeholders in five vulnerable marine areas in Sweden, Mozambique, Norway, France and United States. These case studies will: assess potential impacts based on current evidence; allow for possible MU options to be explored; ensure transferability and adaptability to different environments; consider a multitude of marine sectors and governance systems. The development of the assessment approach and the scenarios will feed into the final product of MULTI-FRAME, the 'Ocean Multi-Use Toolkit', meant to assist planners when deciding on the most optimal combination of uses in a given marine space, taking into consideration an equitable distribution of possible benefits while avoiding, minimizing or mitigating negative impacts. MFAA role: Céline Rebours will be the overall lead for WP4, coordinating partners responsible for conducting case studies in their respective countries. Rebours will lead the development and research on the national level in Norway by conducting the case study. She will also contribute to the overall assessment approach development in WP3, the coherent approach to data management, assessment and handling. Her focus in terms of multi-use will be on innovative forms of aquaculture combined with energy generation, and tourism. The case studies in Norway are Nordland and Sogn and Fjordane.