Common methodological approach on addressing the mussel farms in maritime spatial plans (MSP)

Establishing and running a mussel farm in the Baltic have to be addressed in the maritime spatial planning (MSP) process based on a methodology supported by scientific knowledge, legislation and knowledge of business potentials for mussel farming. As Baltic Blue Growth (BBG) project was dedicated to blue mussel farming, the main focus of the methodology is on mussel farms. However, the proposed approach could also apply to other types of mariculture. [...]
Based on the experience of the Baltic Blue Growth (BBG) project’s focus farms and via intensive communication with mussel farmers and the MSP practitioners, issues important from the MSP perspective for further development of mariculture in the Baltic Sea region are addressed in this proposal: optimal environmental conditions for mussels’ growth, role and utilization of national and regional aquaculture development plans, legal regulations and formal procedures, role and power of associations representing the sector, potential conflicts with other marine use and ways to minimize / mitigate them.
Assuming that the ecosystem payment scheme to the Baltic blue mussel farms - as proposed by the Baltic Blue Growth project - will be established and operational, mussel farming should be considered as an important business activity, that have to be addressed in the maritime spatial planning process. In some cases, mussel farming will come into conflicts with other sea uses. Thus, it is important to have a clear, and as far as possible uniformed planning methodology among countries in the maritime spatial planning process.