Marine spatial planning: a cautionary tale

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as a key instrument for governing marine spaces within the evolving paradigms of the blue economy, blue growth, and ecosystem-based management (EBM). This paper critically surveys the conceptual and practical dimensions of MSP by framing it within the context of wicked problems—ill-defined, complex, and socially embedded challenges that resist definitive solutions. Through a synthesis of literature across marine governance, participatory planning, and creative problem solving, the study identifies key barriers to effective MSP, including stakeholder fragmentation, short-termism, and cognitive bias, and explores how tools such as scenario planning and dialogue mapping can help address these barriers. The paper presents a conceptual framework that clarifies the interrelations among the blue economy, blue growth, and MSP, and critiques how current implementations risk reinforcing power asymmetries and marginalising vulnerable stakeholders. By positioning MSP as a creative, adaptive, and participatory response to complexity, the paper offers a cautionary perspective and practical insights for improving marine governance.