models to complex software packages (Bagstad et al. 2013). One example of a DSS
for use in MSP is MIMES (Multi-scale Integrated Models of Ecosystem Services),
which uses GIS data to simulate ecosystem components under different scenarios
defined by stakeholder input. It features a suite of models to support MSP
decision making (www.afordablefutures.com/services/mimes). Further, the MMC
(Multipurpose Marine Cadastre) is an integrated, online marine information system
for viewing and accessing authoritative legal, physical, ecological, and cultural
information in a common GIS framework (www.marinecadastre.gov). Another
example is MaRS (Marine Resource System), which is a GIS-based DSS designed
to enhance marine resource analysis and ultimately identify areas with potential for
development in UK waters by The Crown Estate (www.thecrownestate.co.uk/marsportal-notice). It assists in identifying areas of opportunity and constraint, by
identifying how different activities would interact in a particular area and providing
statistics showing the value of the area to a competing industry.
6.3.1 The Importance of Spatial Data
in the Planning Process
In general, GIS-based data and robust spatial analyses help collate and harmonize
data for use at different stages of the planning process (Jay and Gee 2014;
Shucksmith et al. 2014), including scoping, development, and evaluation of planning options (Stelzenmüller et al. 2010, 2013a). The use of GIS to support aquaculture development and planning has a long tradition (Kapetsky et al. 1990) and
the identification of suitable sites for aquaculture has been among the most frequent
applications of GIS (Fisher and Rahel 2004). In recent years, the use and relevance
of spatial data in supporting informed decision making in MSP has been increasingly demonstrated (Caldow et al. 2015). For instance, the development of GIS data
layers to inform MSP includes: the mapping of sensitivity of seabirds to offshore
wind farms (Bradbury et al. 2014); the assessment of potential whale interactions
with shipping (Petruny et al. 2014); the mapping of offshore (Campbell et al. 2014)
and inshore (Breen et al. 2015) fishing activity; or the mapping of ethnographic
information (Sullivan et al. 2015). Decision makers and planners are most likely to
require spatial data layers at the development stage of a MSP process, enabling
them to explore the data, and develop and evaluate planning scenarios
(Stelzenmüller et al. 2012).
6.3.2 DSS for Aquaculture Siting
The combination of DSS into one GIS-based system that can support sustainable
aquaculture development has been identified as an important future need (Ferreira
6 Aquaculture Site-Selection and Marine Spatial Planning …
135
for use in MSP is MIMES (Multi-scale Integrated Models of Ecosystem Services),
which uses GIS data to simulate ecosystem components under different scenarios
defined by stakeholder input. It features a suite of models to support MSP
decision making (www.afordablefutures.com/services/mimes). Further, the MMC
(Multipurpose Marine Cadastre) is an integrated, online marine information system
for viewing and accessing authoritative legal, physical, ecological, and cultural
information in a common GIS framework (www.marinecadastre.gov). Another
example is MaRS (Marine Resource System), which is a GIS-based DSS designed
to enhance marine resource analysis and ultimately identify areas with potential for
development in UK waters by The Crown Estate (www.thecrownestate.co.uk/marsportal-notice). It assists in identifying areas of opportunity and constraint, by
identifying how different activities would interact in a particular area and providing
statistics showing the value of the area to a competing industry.
6.3.1 The Importance of Spatial Data
in the Planning Process
In general, GIS-based data and robust spatial analyses help collate and harmonize
data for use at different stages of the planning process (Jay and Gee 2014;
Shucksmith et al. 2014), including scoping, development, and evaluation of planning options (Stelzenmüller et al. 2010, 2013a). The use of GIS to support aquaculture development and planning has a long tradition (Kapetsky et al. 1990) and
the identification of suitable sites for aquaculture has been among the most frequent
applications of GIS (Fisher and Rahel 2004). In recent years, the use and relevance
of spatial data in supporting informed decision making in MSP has been increasingly demonstrated (Caldow et al. 2015). For instance, the development of GIS data
layers to inform MSP includes: the mapping of sensitivity of seabirds to offshore
wind farms (Bradbury et al. 2014); the assessment of potential whale interactions
with shipping (Petruny et al. 2014); the mapping of offshore (Campbell et al. 2014)
and inshore (Breen et al. 2015) fishing activity; or the mapping of ethnographic
information (Sullivan et al. 2015). Decision makers and planners are most likely to
require spatial data layers at the development stage of a MSP process, enabling
them to explore the data, and develop and evaluate planning scenarios
(Stelzenmüller et al. 2012).
6.3.2 DSS for Aquaculture Siting
The combination of DSS into one GIS-based system that can support sustainable
aquaculture development has been identified as an important future need (Ferreira
6 Aquaculture Site-Selection and Marine Spatial Planning …
135