Making Maritime Spatial Planning transition-based

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Integrating Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) with Sustainability Transitions (ST) theory is essential for managing the rapid deployment of ocean technologies (OT) and the associated ecological, social, and economic trade-offs. The study identifies 18 ST approaches relevant to marine management and planning challenges. A case study in Spanish waters is then used to map OT penetration and illustrate key spatial and governance outcomes. We discuss transition-critical barriers, as well as technologies and resources likely to shape the future evolution of MSP.

Source: npj Ocean Sustainability

DOI: 10.1038/s44183-026-00229-7

Authors: Daniel Depellegrin, Francesca Larosa, Simón Hernández Aguado, Shenghui Li, Maria Morgunova, Zacharoula Kyriazi, Olimpo Anaya-Lara, Maurizio Ambrosino, José Antonio Juanes, Carolina Martí Llambrich

Institutions: Universidad de Cantabria, Universitat de Girona, IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Valencian International University, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Guangdong Ocean University, Uppsala University, University College Cork, SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, University of Strathclyde, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, SINTEF Energy Research, University of Sannio

Language: English

Topic: Coastal and Marine Management

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090

Funders: European Commission, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, European Social Fund, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

OpenAlex ID: W7203871205