Drawing on real-world examples from across the globe, The opportunity for climate action through climate-smart Marine Spatial Planning lays out a compelling case for integrating climate adaptation and mitigation directly into the way we manage ocean space. The authors, led by Ana Queirós, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, examine how marine spatial planning (MSP) is already being used to protect biodiversity, support blue carbon ecosystems, and accelerate renewable energy development, all while facing the complexities of a rapidly changing climate.
At the heart of this work are two ICES expert groups: the Working Group on Marine Planning and Coastal Zone Management (WGMPCZM) and the Workshop on Climate Change Considerations in Marine Spatial Planning (WKCCCMSP). “This research brought together a unique blend of marine planners, policy-makers and climate researchers, to explore how climate change can be addressed through established marine spatial planning processes", says Caitriona Nic Aonghusa, Marine Institute and co-chair of WGMPCZM, “It was the culmination of 4 years of dialogue initiated by the Working Group on Marine Planning and Coastal Zone Management". Together, these groups brought stakeholders into a shared space to explore how MSP can become a frontline tool in climate action.
Climate-smart MSP
The paper identifies climate-smart MSP as a practical and necessary evolution. This involves designing marine plans that actively contribute to mitigation (such as siting offshore renewables and protecting blue carbon habitats) and adaptation (like safeguarding climate refugia or enabling the relocation of fisheries as species shift).
"Marine spatial planning (or marine planning) isn't just about managing ocean space - it's about unlocking a powerful tool for climate action that can unite competing interests under a common cause", says Queirós.
“Climate change itself creates opportunities to reimagine ocean use, as shifting species and habitats require adaptive management that can reset sectoral conflicts and promote multi-use maritime spaces designed for future resilience. Success requires robust monitoring systems with indicators that track both climate and sectoral objectives, providing the foundation for international agreements on climate-smart MSP delivery and ensuring plans effectively contribute to broader climate goals beyond their immediate scope."
Collaboration is essential
Another key insight? Climate-smart planning needs buy-in from across disciplines and sectors, as well as better alignment between science and decision-making. The authors recommend improved data sharing, more targeted climate indicators, and stronger involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities—who often experience climate impacts first and hold vital knowledge for adaptive solutions.
“By bringing together everyone from local fishing communities, NGOs, to international policy-makers, MSP can transform what were once seen as impossible trade-offs between renewable energy and biodiversity into win-win solutions", says Queirós. “Climate change is forcing us to rethink how we use our oceans anyway – it's imperative that we seek to manage marine spaces in a way that serves multiple purposes while building resilience for the future."
Adaptation
The paper points out a critical gap: while many countries now include climate goals in their marine plans, few fully implement or monitor them. Adaptation is especially underused. This includes making space for climate refugia or helping communities prepare for ecosystem shifts. Yet, promising examples from countries like Sweden, Canada, and Ireland show that it is possible to build plans that are both climate-smart and socially inclusive.
“Marine planning provides a systemic mechanism for addressing climate change. It is a forward-looking process, balancing development needs with environmental protection, that serves as a framework to align ocean use with national climate action plans."
“By integrating climate data and projections into the marine planning evidence base, it can be used to inform offshore renewable energy development, coastal resilience and protect carbon-rich habitats, like seagrasses. It can ensure that marine activities remain resilient to sea-level rise, ocean warming, and acidification".
This publication is a major step forward in understanding how MSP can be a practical, proactive tool in the fight against climate change. The call is clear: we must manage ocean space not just for what it is, but for what it can become in a climate-resilient future.
Read the full paper, "The opportunity for climate action through climate-smart Marine Spatial Planning" in Ocean Sustainability.
The Working Group on Marine Planning and Coastal Zone Management (WGMPCZM) is an inter- and transdisciplinary group, involving people from social and natural sciences and from administrations in ICES member countries, who discuss current developments around MSP and coastal zone management (CZM) in the ICES area.
