Further information
The world’s oceans have the potential to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
The growing global population is putting pressure on food, water and energy supplies, threatening biodiversity, and contributing to global climate change.
But it is not enough to simply alert society to the problems we face. We also need to offer the solutions.
That’s why we have developed the Ocean Solutions Dialogue Series — a series of workshops and free public lectures to raise awareness of the problems affecting our oceans and address the opportunities for ocean-based solutions.
To realise this vision of Ocean Solutions for Humanity’s Grand Challenges requires the engagement of government, industry and the community in targeted dialogues that produce real outcomes.
Read more about our workshops and the aims of the Dialogue Series.
Dialogue session 2: Marine Spatial Planning (22 November 2012) - invitation only
Addressing the need for marine spatial planning is a pre-requisite to underpin safe and sustainable operation in the marine environment.
Western Australia covers an area of 2 529 875 km2 and has a population of ~2,346,000 people. With 72% of the West Australian population living in and around Perth and a coast line which spans 20 871km, much of which is remote and relatively inaccessible, it is somewhat surprising that there are perceived issues surrounding resource allocation in the marine environment. Perceived issues are raised between commercial and recreational fishers (including aquaculture), between these and aquaculture, conservation interests, groups wishing to extract oil, gas, salt and minerals and other industrial activities, shipping and the interests of the general public regarding recreation.
We believe that marine spatial planning could help address these perceptions, reconcile interests and ensure that all objectives are met while avoiding conflict. Spatial planning and management is a common tool in the terrestrial environment with some good examples extending in the marine environment (e.g. the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).
We ask what are the barriers to spatial planning and management in the marine environment? Similarly, why is operationalising law and policy in marine areas more difficult than in terrestrial environments? Is the reluctance toembrace spatial planning in the marine environment as compared to that on land derived from social psychological barriers?
For more information on the Dialogue series,
please email the Oceans Institute General Manager or phone on (+61) 6488 8016.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
