Samenvatting

To limit the pressure on the marine ecosystem, the European Unions’ Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) was developed to ensure sustainable use of the marine ecosystem. The goal of the MSFD is to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES). To achieve this goal, the MSFD prescribes using Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM). However, the implementation of EBM is difficult. To make it easier, use can be made of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). To create understanding about MSP, a Marine Spatial Planning serious game (MSP SG) can be performed. Such a game can also help visualise the implementation of EBM and further management of marine ecosystems. Since the implementation of EBM in a MSP SG is also a difficult task, actions have to be taken. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how an action plan for a MSP SG can be developed that includes effects of human activities on the marine ecosystem and how GES can be achieved with the use of EBM. Results of a literature review and interviews conducted with stakeholders involved in real-life MSP processes, show that a MSP SG needs to be realistic. Furthermore, there are many uncertainties regarding the positive and negative effects of human activities on the marine ecosystem. In terms of EBM, the implementation is very difficult and has multiple definitions, but are all carrying the same key features. EBM is prescribed by the MSFD for Member States to use for the achievement of GES. The proposed MSP SG developed for this research, focusses on the Dutch North Sea. The game contains visualisation tools for the effects of human activities, implementation of EBM, and for measures under MSFD.