The benefits of integrated marine planning: perceptions, precedents and the case of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area

In response to concerns over marine ecological health and conflict among competing uses, new integrated approaches to the management of oceans and coastal areas are evolving in many settings. This study begins with an analysis of international cases to determine common benefits of integrated marine planning, and to identify factors that contribute to a successful integrated marine planning process. The study then describes a survey that was carried out to investigate perceptions of the benefits of marine planning for key stakeholder groups on the Pacific coast of Canada. The results of the survey show strong support for creating a marine plan in this region. Next, a set of best practices criteria for integrated marine planning is developed and used to evaluate and make recommendations to improve the Canadian marine planning framework as it has been applied on the Pacific coast.