Tools to assess cross-sector interactions

The footprints of offshore/high energy activities including aquaculture, energy production and fisheries may overlap, creating the potential for both conflict among sectors and opportunities for integration. The blue economy industries, therefore, need tools to assess cross-sector impacts and to develop spatial plans that maximise social, economic and environmental outcomes.

We will review the decision support tools for identifying trade-offs and synergies among emerging blue industries and existing offshore/high energy human activities. By identifying the tools needed to support planning, this proposal will help identify environmental, economic and social wins and help streamline impact assessments for legislative approvals processes.