Marine policy research : A reflection on CMP projects 2009-2013

Marine policy can be interpreted broadly as governmental interventions targeting any activity located in marine areas. A large share of marine policy research is related to fisheries policy and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in particular. Although the research targeting the fisheries policy is still of high relevance, a more integrated research approach that comprehends multiple sectors in marine spatial planning (MSP) simultaneously, is a new emerging field of interest often referred to in the context of ecosystem-based management. The different research approaches have in common that they deal with challenges of intensified demands for the marine areas for traditional as well as for newer purposes. New activities that are claiming marine space more recently include, for instance, nature conservation and green energy sources such as wind and waves. The main aim of this report is to provide an overview of some main theoretical and methodological contributions to the scientific literature stemming from CMP-related work. As the material to choose from is comprehensive, we have selected as the basis for the reflections relevant peer-reviewed articles that focus on marine policy issues in the area of the Dutch North Sea. The report draws on texts from various publications (References). Moreover, short descriptions of and links to relevant EU projects in which the CMP researchers collaborated - such as JAKFISH, MESMA, MASPNOSE, ODEMM, WINDSPEED and COEXIST - are provided (Appendix).