Multi-use of marine space
Today, Europe's sea basins are home to an increasing variety of commercial activities: oil and gas extraction, renewable energy production, pipelines, telecommunications and electricity cables, shipping, fishing, aquaculture and blue biotechnology, sand and mineral extraction, coastal and maritime tourism. In addition, the seas are also home to a number of important non-commercial activities such as marine defense and coastal surveillance, and include areas designated for the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
The increasing presence of installations for renewable energy production at sea poses challenges to the marine ecosystem, but can also offer new opportunities. More than ever, systematic planning and coordination of activities is crucial, taking into account not only existing uses but also anticipating future needs. Looking for synergies will be key to support shared use of marine space. To ensure the sustainable development of future activities, it will be important to understand the effects of human activities and their impacts on a local and global scale.
By anticipating the consequences of human activities at sea, adaptation and mitigation measures can be developed that address issues high on the EU agenda, such as climate change, food and energy security and human health.
We provide knowledge and expertise on topics like:
- Marine resource and environmental management
- Ecosystem assessment
- Life-cycle analyses
- Risk and impact studies
- Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
- Marine Spatial Planning
- Maritime Law
- Law of the Sea and Protection of Oceans
- Marine Policy and Governance
- Environmental Law
- Stakeholder participation and consultation