Managing sea space through dynamic boundaries

This chapter explores the evolution of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) through the lens of dynamic boundaries, highlighting the transition from rigid, sectoral zoning toward more flexible, strategic, and adaptive spatial governance. Building on a comparison between early ecosystem-based and territorial-functional models, it assesses how post-MSP Directive national plans have embraced dynamic zoning and soft spatial logic to navigate the growing demand for marine space. The Italian MS Plans are discussed as examples of permeable, context-sensitive governance embedded within a multi-scalar institutional framework.

This chapter identifies four challenges for dynamic MSP implementation. First, adaptive planning requires robust institutional capacity and sustained political commitment. Second, flexible zoning can produce regulatory uncertainty and weaken environmental safeguards. Third, real-time and seasonal management tools depend on high-quality data and enabling legal frameworks, which remain underdeveloped in many jurisdictions. Fourth, MSPs demand a conceptual shift in planning culture, requiring new skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional learning. Addressing these is essential to fully realise the potential of dynamic boundaries for sustainable marine governance.