Sustainable and efficient use of ocean space can be achieved through a combination of different ocean uses both in close proximity, through joint operations, or on the same platform. Known as ocean multi-use (MU), this novel approach can reduce demand for space and potentially offer significant socio-economic and environmental benefits.
However, the actual development of MU systems has been limited due in part to a lack of knowledge about their potential impacts on the economy and the marine environment and existing regulatory systems. The Ocean Multi-Use Assessment Framework (MUAA) was developed by the MULTIFRAME project to increase the knowledge base and capacity of public and private actors for assessing ocean MU systems. By providing a comprehensive assessment framework, the project seeks to facilitate the sustainable and efficient use of ocean space. The Framework serves as an open source tool and provides assessment results and best practice examples from its application in five case study sites across the globe.
