Dissecting the offshore wind and mariculture multi-use discourse: a new approach using targeted SWOT analysis

Coastal seas worldwide are under increasing anthropogenic pressures due to the rapid expansion of the maritime industry and coastal urbanisation. Multi-use (MU) of ocean space, meaning the use of the same space by multiple resource users, has emerged as one strategy to address spatial conflicts resulting from an increasing use density. The proposed multi-use of offshore wind farms (OWF) and mariculture (MAQ) is one of the most-researched examples of such a potentially symbiotic relationship. Two decades of public and academic discourse have produced an abundance of research regarding various facets of this particular combination. Nevertheless, the latest research projects of the EU's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme have identified several persistent barriers to continued multi-use development. The past and current public discourse have created a situation where technological readiness has outpaced societal willingness, and the diversity of backgrounds and perceptions of the participants of this discourse often complicates the discussion. This study aims to dissect the standard discourse on OWF and mariculture multi-use using a targeted SWOT analysis approach based on stakeholder knowledge. This approach reveals two distinct narratives based on societal and economic considerations. From this, we derive a set of tailor-made recommendations for policymakers, regulators, funding agencies, businesses and researchers.