Improving marine spatial planning by using an incremental amendment strategy: The case of Anping, Taiwan

The use of ocean space is crucial to coastal sectors in Taiwan, and is complicated by the density of coastal fisheries activities and competition with coastal development. This study focused on Tainan, southwest Taiwan, where oyster farming attracts areola babylon and fish (target species for trap fisheries), thereby inducing unwanted competition with the gill net fisheries. In addition, the zone allocated to Anping Port (a commercial harbor) included what were traditionally oyster farming zones, thus affecting farming activities and causing conflict. This paper presents a case study of the evolution of marine spatial planning (MSP) and management, examining how planning and management were improved and implemented to resolve conflicts between stakeholders. The results of a questionnaire were used to facilitate the management process, which was based on local self-governance and the incremental amendment of management measures. Three recommendations are provided for government and planning units engaging in MSP: (a) establish management procedures for key users (both from the central government and local self-governance groups) when beginning MSP, (b) identify high-priority stakeholders from the viewpoint of primary users whose livelihoods stand to be influenced the most, and (c) improve MSP by implementing amendments to the management regulations incrementally and by communicating regularly with stakeholders.