Assessment Framework for successful development of viable ocean multi-use systems

Pressure on ocean space and its environment is continuously increasing. Sustainable development of the ocean´s use 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. A desk study was first conducted to review the potential multi-uses scenarios in Norway. 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 using a focus guide were conducted with a selection of stakeholders from various sectors related to the Norwegian case study. The interviewees were identified by using a stakeholder analysis. 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 to discuss 2 to 3 topics. The final section comprised individual questions aimed at assessing participants' perspectives on future actions designed to enhance understanding and implementation of multi-use practices. After the semi-structured interview process, Norway and Brazil compared their scenario (aquaculture and tourism) with the goal of identifying the missing information to fully described MU, and to evaluate the level of MU for each of the studied scenarios. This information was then further used to develop the agenda for a workshop organized in each of the countries. In Norway representatives from diverse range of economic activities (aquaculture, energy, communication, offshore suppliers, logistics, and research) were chosen from both the interviewee group and industry stakeholders engaged in the new demonstration Multi-Use (MU) sites in the Møre & Romsdal region. The subsequent consultations played a crucial role in defining objectives for Multi-Use (MU) scenarios. Additionally, a series of MU scenarios were identified, encompassing those feasible for current development as well as those anticipated for the future in Norway. The study also involved a comprehensive assessment of opportunities, benefits, risks, and constraints associated with two specific scenarios to pinpoint the necessary enabling actions required to address challenges arising from the implementation of MU. The findings from this Norwegian study also contributed to the formulation of strategic and policy recommendations, which were subsequently discussed in regional and national events focusing on the utilization and sharing of seas in Norway and the broader ocean context. Furthermore, the international consortium has worked on refining the multi-use definition and subjected it and the examples of multi-use to an external review during the initial project webinar. An Ocean Multi-Use Assessment Approach (MUAA) has been collaboratively developed, engaging all project partners and was tested in four case studies globally. The MUAA underwent validation through an online interactive session with stakeholders and the Advisory Board. A video has been produced by s.Pro to improve the awareness and literacy about the ocean multi-use concept. A compilation of Blueprints has been developed with examples around the world, including the four global case studies implemented as examples. Publications including a transferability report (comparing MU cases), a policy brief, and a collection of Ocean Multi-Use Blueprint reports were published. All the results contributed to elaborate the 'Ocean Multi-Use Toolkit' available on project website (https://www.submariner-network.eu/multi-frame). The Toolkit is poised to enhance the decision-making processes of both authorities and businesses involved in offshore activities or developments.

MULTI-FRAME results are expected to: • actively support MSP processes in the case study regions • support uptake of the MU concept for a more sustainable use of oceans • impact the state-of-the art of MU through the focus on efficient documentation of the research results; on identifying and overcoming barriers and highlighting good practices. • be multi-level (international, EU, Sea Basins, national, local), multi-sector (stakeholders from different marine and maritime uses) and mobilize actors involved at different steps in the process of MU development (e.g., from policy, research, environmental, legislative, administrative, financial, society). • use co-development approach allowing the public to engage with the research, consider the ocean MU concept more in-depth and recognize its value. • establish an international knowledge base to improve the sustainable use of our Oceans • develop Assessment Approach and ToolKit to support ocean planners in making informed decisions

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.