New information about the specific kinds of skills and support tools needed by practitioners and students aiming to enhance the field of ocean and marine spatial planning is now available. CRC, with the support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program, produced an assessment report as part of its ongoing effort to develop a network of skilled practitioners from government, industry and non-governmental organizations that enhances global implementation of MSP. The report reflects research and survey results and speaks to the gaps and opportunities voiced by MSP professionals, including coastal and ocean managers, government regulators, technical experts and students.

This assessment report includes information about:
1) Information, tools and techniques practitioners need to implement MSP, and mechanisms for delivering these materials;
2) Organizations which could assist in building MSP capacity; and
3) Constituencies that need these materials in order to facilitate MSP implementation.

Research included a comprehensive review of MSP initiatives, an in-depth analysis of a small subset of representative MSP cases in the U.S. and Canada, and consultation with a diverse sample of MSP experts. The data is being used to develop a robust and targeted support program, with technical assistance and learning opportunities, for existing and emerging MSP professionals on an international level. A focal activity is the 2015 Second International Marine Spatial Planning Symposium now being developed.

Learn more at LINK or contact Jennifer McCann, MSP program lead for URI CRC and Rhode Island Sea Grant, at mccann@crc.uri.edu or (401)874-6127.