From disunited sectors to disjointed segments? Questioning the functional zoning of the sea

Abstract

Within the recent uptake of marine planning as a more systematic approach to managing the sea, an appeal is being made to zoning as an appropriate mechanism for the spatial organisation of sea uses. This article explores the notion of marine zoning within the context of the history and long-standing critique of land-use zoning, and considers the additional difficulties of applying this approach in a marine setting. Although adjustments to the principles of zoning have assisted its implementation at sea, inherent tensions remain, arising from its rationalist basis and divisive approach, and are exacerbated by the dynamic nature of the marine environment. More responsive spatial approaches to planning at sea are called for.

Keywords::

• marine spatial planning
• marine zoning
• critique of zoning

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank the reviewers for their thoughtful and stimulating engagement with this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen Jay

Stephen Jay is a lecturer specialising in marine aspects of spatial planning. He has carried out research projects into the development of offshore wind energy, and the newly emerging systems of marine spatial planning in Europe, and currently leads a European project on transboundary maritime planning. He is also interested in theoretical aspects of this new endeavour, such as the interpretation and representation of space in these initiatives.