Abstract
The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process allocates space for traditional and emerging human activities at sea. Data forms the foundation of Maritime Spatial Plans (MSPs) and is crucial for their revision and adaptation based on new scientific knowledge. Since MSP is key to identify areas for offshore renewable energy (ORE) and the connecting electricity grid, marine environmental data is essential for a nature-friendly deployment and to achieve conservation and restoration targets as well as Good Environmental Status in all European seas.
Member States (MS) utilise different environmental data collection and management schemes. In the MSP context, they are responsible for using the best available data and deciding how to share necessary information across marine regions. The Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) identifies innovative models and initiatives which allow for better environmental data collection and management for ORE, with the aim of inspiring their replication by MS. One such positive example is the Belgian Offshore Wind Monitoring Programme. This post-decision monitoring programme for the construction and operation phases of ORE projects after the permit-granting, has been running since 2005, coordinated and executed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) and commissioned by the Belgian Federal Government.