PLASMAR - Setting the Basis for Sustainable Maritime Spatial Planning in Macaronesia

Short description of the project: The PLASMAR project was a three-year project financed by European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Programme of Territorial Cooperation Madeira-Azores-Canary Islands (POMAC 2014-2020), aimed at developing smart solutions to synchronise the development of maritime sectors with maritime conservation in the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Tangible results:  Tools, methodologies and processes were designed to ensure the sustainable development of these maritime sectors. Scientific data and information were collected, and methods developed to monitor the impact marine sectors have on the environment. Monitoring methods were adapted for Macaronesian conditions to determine the state of the marine environment and the pressures resulting from – and the effects of – maritime activities. Solutions were found to preserve Macaronesia’s oceans. Also, a web application called INDIMAR was developed, supporting analysis and decision-making.

Application/relevance: The PLASMAR project aimed to define and propose robust scientific methodologies to support Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Blue Growth in the three archipelagos included in the Macaronesian Region. Key sectors involved: aquaculture, fisheries, maritime transport, offshore wind energy, mineral extraction, and maritime tourism.