Postgraduate Course: Marine Infrastructure and Environmental Change (PGGE11201)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | MIEC follows on from the Marine Systems and Policies (MSP) course taken in Term 1. MSP focused on marine conservation practices across different marine biomes, policy scales and societal perspectives. In Term 2, MIEC examines whether sustainable marine development or 'blue growth' is possible in an ocean already challenged by climate change and resource exploitation by multiple sectors. MIEC explores the adequacy of current marine planning frameworks and their underpinning scientific evidence to balance marine conservation with the competing demands of existing sectors alongside blue growth in fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, coastal development, tourism, oil and gas exploitation, and deep-sea mining.
Marine biodiversity, animal behaviour, habitat and ecosystem connectivity have been significantly altered by ocean exploitation and development. Touristic shorelines best illustrate the historic creep or 'ocean sprawl' in the coastal zone. While advances in technology enable humankind to explore the ocean, these technological improvements now enable humans to further exploit marine resources such as oil and gas and offshore wind, but also large eco-engineering projects. Mining of deep-sea mineral resources is also now on the world's horizon.
Permitting phases for new marine developments are often isolated in space and time, unable to capture the incremental and cumulative picture of impacts. But ocean sprawl also presents new opportunities for marine conservation e.g., introduction of new habitats that help connect or sustain reef organisms, teleost fishes and sharks, seabirds and marine mammals. MIEC allows the student to examine concepts of blue growth and ocean sprawl over time and space by critiquing current planning frameworks and the sometimes ambiguous science underpinning science underpinning these. MIEC integrates marine ecology, conservation and ocean governance, familiarising the student with different scales and types of marine planning and impact assessments against the backdrop of blue growth, and how to develop a robust science case in support of blue growth.
The MIEC course is designed around several different, but integrated, learning frameworks, including:
1) Integration of marine science with marine policy and governance:
- Ocean Governance - International Treaties, e.g. UN LAW OF THE SEA
- EU Directives and Policies - e.g. Blue Growth, Environmental Impact Assessment, Marine Strategy Framework Directive
- National Marine Acts and Plans
2) Marine Planning, project development phases, environmental assessment tools and concepts:
- Marine spatial planning
- Strategic impact assessments
- Seascape character assessments
- Environmental impact assessments
- Habitat and species assessments
- Ecological mitigation, restoration and biodiversity offsetting,
- Role of project permitting, conditions, and compliance monitoring
- Cumulative impact assessments
3) Ecological change over time and space - natural vs 'created' environments:
MIEC students will explore ecological impacts (positive and negative) of ocean sprawl from the coastal zone to the deep sea, including effects on biodiversity, connectivity, animal behavior and conservation, across a wide variety of marine species and habitats. Students will also assess to what extent permissions for new developments have considered these impacts.
4) Stakeholder interests and drivers: MIEC students will gain the latest insider insights on opportunities and challenges of blue growth from different ocean users, with guest expert lectures from academia, NGOs, government, consultancy and industry working on different types of marine development projects or aspects of ocean sprawl on marine species, habitats and ecosystems.
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| Course description |
The overall flow of the course is outlined on the next page. To support the course, key readings and web sites will be provided as primers in advance, while additional readings and information will be provided during respective lectures and presentations, resulting in a 'class knowledge library' that is constructed along the way.
i. Weekly themes and focus: connecting ecological themes, policies and processes across the course.
ii. Student-led presentations: Weekly presentations on different aspects of marine spatial and environmental planning, project development processes. The presentations may be videoed for learning and feedback.
iii. Student-led discussion groups: As part of the presentations, students will have selected 2-3 readings for class to read in advance, and end the presentations with topical questions that will be discussed in groups to more deeply examine key concepts and material.
iv. Case study project profiles: Weekly guest expert lecturers and instructors spanning a range of ecological horizons (nearshore to offshore), project types and sectors, project implementation phases and stakeholder views. Guest speakers will deliver novel perspectives on a variety of projects giving students a broader context and understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with different marine sectors, spanning academia, industry, non-governmental and government.
v. MIEC - Blue Growth Symposium: on the last day of class, each student will present a 5 minute 'speed talk' on their individual 'blue papers'. The blue paper will be developed as part of the coursework and based on the student's own choice of case study on a real-world marine development project, its permitting phase, and to what extent impacts on marine species, habitats and ecosystems were considered.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Marine Systems and Policies (PGGE11186) OR
Marine Systems and Policies (UG) (EASC10083)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | If students have not passed the recommended courses they should seek permission from the course organiser for entry to the course on a case by case basis. |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 30 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
| Course Start Date |
15/01/2018 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Please contact the School directly for a breakdown of Learning and Teaching Activities |
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
1. Group presentations throughout the course on assigned marine planning themes and processes of environmental reviews and project development stages (40%)
2. Individual project paper analysing overall project dynamics in time and space of one's choice. (60%) |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and analytical understanding of diverse drivers and impacts around marine environmental assessments and project management.
- Apply this critical thinking to real-world scenarios following exposure to different NGO, industry and government perspectives on marine infrastructure projects and projections.
- Apply stronger organisation skills to plan, execute and report on scientific investigation and management evaluations.
- Participate in individual and team activities toward the completion of assignments and goals.
- Develop critical thinking with regard to the evaluation of sources of information, the feasibility of management options and interpretation of outcomes.
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Reading List
WEEK 1
Introduction to the course and overview
Essential reading
- Bishop et al. (2017) Effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity: impacts and solutions. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 492: 7-30
- Bulleri and Chapman (2010) The introduction of coastal infrastructure as a driver of change in marine environments. Journal of Applied Ecology 47: 26-35
- Review website on the United Nation's 'Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development'
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/
- Review website on Europe's Blue Growth Directive http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/blue_growth/
Recommended reading
- McCauley et al. (2015) Marine defaunation: Animals loss in the global ocean. Science 347: 6219
- Blencker et al. (2015) Past and future challenges in managing European Seas. Ecology and Society 20: 40
Further reading
- Duarte et al. (2013) Is global ocean sprawl a cause of jellyfish blooms? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 11: 91-97
WEEK 2
Group 1 - Marine Spatial Planning - MSP
Essential reading
- Review the European Union's website on the MSP Directive and documents
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/maritime_spatial_planning/index_en.htm
Lecture Topic - Coastal Urbanisation
Essential reading
- Dafforn et al. (2015) Marine urbanization: an ecological framework for designing multifunctional artificial structures. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 13: 82-90
- Sutton-Grier et al. (2015) Future of our coasts: the potential for natural and hybrid infrastructure to enhance the resilience of our coastal communities, economies and ecosystems. Environmental Science and Policy 51: 137-148
- Wilson et al. (2015) Rethinking marine infrastructure policy practice. Marine Policy 53: 67-82
Recommended reading
- Airoldi et al. (2007) Loss, status and trends for coastal marine habitats of Europe. Oceanography and Marine Biology: an Annual Review 45: 345-405
- Morris (2013) Managed realignment as a tool for compensatory habitat creation - a re-appraisal. Ocean and Coastal Management 73: 82-91
Further reading
- Barbier et al. (2011) Value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services. Ecological Monographs 81: 169-193
WEEK 3
Group 2 - Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment - SEA
Essential Reading
- Review the EU website on SEA Directive and documents
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/sea-legalcontext.htm
- Review the Scottish Government website on SEA
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/environmental-assessment/sea
Lecture Topic - Marinas and Invasive Species
Essential Reading
- Duarte et al. (2013) Is global ocean sprawl a cause of jellyfish blooms? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 11: 91-97
- Mineur et al. (2012) Changing coasts: Marine aliens and artificial structures. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An annual review 50: 189-234
Recommended reading
- Firth et al. (2014) Between a rock and a hard place: Environmental and engineering considerations when designing coastal defence structures. Coastal Engineering 87: 122-135
- Foster et al. (2016) Identifying the physical features of marina infrastructure associated with the presence of non-native species in the UK. Marine Biology 163: 173
WEEK 4
Group 3 - Social Impact Assessments and Seascape Character Assessments
Essential reading
- Esteves et al. (2012) Social Impact Assessment - the state of the art. In: Impact Assessment and Project Apprasial 30: 34-42
- Vanclay (2012) The potential application of social impact assessment in integrated coastal zone management. Ocean and Coastal Management 68: 149e156
Recommended reading
- Review website on MMO South Area Marine Plans
https://www.gv.uk/government/publications/seascape-assessment-for-the-south-marine-plan-areas-mmo-1037
- Review website on SNH Aquaculture Assessment for the Outer Hebrides
http://www.ashdesignassessment.com/snh-aquaculture-assessment
Lecture Topic - Marine Aquaculture
Essential reading
- Granada et al. (2016) Is integrated multitrophic aquaculture the solution to the sectors' major challenges? A review. Reviews in Aquaculture 8: 283-300
- Read and Fernandes (2003) Management of environmental impacts of marine aquaculture in Europe. Aquaculture 226: 139-163
Recommended reading
- Review Scottish Natural Heritage website on Marine Aquaculture and Aquaculture Framework Plans
http://www.snh.gov.uk/planning-and-development/marine-aquaculture/
WEEK 5
Group 4 - Environmental Impact Assessment - EIA
Essential reading
- Review the EU website on the EIA Directive and documents.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/home.htm
- Review UK Government, Marine Licensing - Impact Assessments
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/marine-licensing-impact-assessments
- Review the Scottish Government website on EIA
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/environmental-assessment
Lecture Topic - Marine Energy - Wind Farms
Essential reading
- Willsteed et al. (2017) Assessing the cumulative environmental effects of marine renewable energy developments: Establishing common ground. Science of the Total Environment 577: 19-32
Recommended reading
- Inger et al. (2009) Marine renewable energy: potential benefits to biodiversity? An urgent call for research. Journal of Applied Ecology 46: 1145-1153
- Gill et al. (2005) Offshore renewable energy: Ecological implications of generating energy in the coastal zone. Journal of Applied Ecology 42: 605-615
Further reading
- Scott et al. (2014) Seabirds and marine renewables: are we asking the right questions? In: Marine Renewable Energy Technology and Environmental Interactions. Shields and Payne (Eds). pp. 81-92
WEEK 6
Group 5 - Habitats Regulations and Assessments
Essential Reading
- Review the Scottish Natural Heritage Habitats Regulations, including Habitats Regulations Appraisal
http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/international-designations/natura-sites/habitats-regulations-and-hra/
- Review the EU Habitats Directive
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm
- Review the Crown Estate guidelines on cumulative impact assessment issues (both for EIA and HRA) for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters offshore wave and tidal energy zones http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/152008/PFOW-cumulative-impact-assessment.pdf
Lecture Topic - Ecotourism and Animal Interactions with Marine Infrastructure
Essential reading
- Fitzpatrick et al. (2011) Variation in depth of whitetip reef sharks: does provisioning ecotourism change their behaviour? Coral Reefs 30: 569-577
- Russell et al. (2014) Marine mammals trace anthropogenic structures at sea. Current Biology 24: R638-R639
- Senigaglia et al. (2016) Meta-analyses of whale-watching impact studies: comparisons of cetacean responses to disturbance. Marine Ecology Progress Series 542: 251-263
Recommended reading
- Bailey et al. (2010) Assessing underwater noise levels during pile-driving at an offshore windfarm and its potential effects on marine mammals. Marine Pollution Bulletin 60: 880-887
- Hastie et al. (2015) Sound exposure in harbor seals during the installation of an offshore wind farm: predictions of auditory damage. Journal of Applied Ecology 52: 631-640
Further reading
- Robinson et al. (2013) Whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, aggregate around offshore platforms in Qatari waters of the Arabian Gulf to feed on fish spawn. PLoS One 8: e58255
WEEK 7
Group 6 - Mitigation and Monitoring Strategies
Essential reading
- Review EU Directive on No Net Loss
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/nnl/index_en.htm
- Review UK Guidance on Biodiversity Offsetting
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-offsetting
Lecture Topic - The Reefs to Rigs Debate - Oil and Gas Decommissioning
Essential reading
- Fujii (2015) Temporal variation in environmental conditions and the structure of fish assemblages around an offshore oil platform in the North Sea. Marine Environmental Research 108: 69-82
- Macreadie et al. (2011) Rigs-to-reefs: will the deep sea benefit from artificial habitat? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 9: 455-461
Recommended reading
- UK guidance on offshore environmental legislation
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-offshore-environmental-legislationDecommissioning https://www.gov.uk/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations- and-pipelines
Further reading
- Review OSPAR's Decision 98/3 on the 'Disposal of Disused Offshore Installations'
https://cil.nus.edu.sg/rp/il/pdf/1998%20OSPAR%20Decision%2098-3%20on%20the%20Disposal%20of%20Disused%20Offshore%20Installations-pdf.pdf
WEEK 8
Group 7 - Cumulative Impact Assessments - Offshore to High Seas
Essential reading
- Review Crown Estate guidelines on cumulative impact assessment issues (both for EIA and HRA) for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters offshore wave and tidal energy zones http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/152008/PFOW-cumulative-impact-assessment.pdf
- Review High Seas Environmental Impact Assessments - The importance of evaluation in areas
beyond national jurisdiction
- http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2016/03/high-seas%20environmental-impact-assessments
Lecture Topic - High Seas Governance and Deep-Sea Mining
Essential reading
- Harrison (2011) Making the Law of the Sea: A Study in the Development of International Law, Cambridge University Press
- Warner (2014) Conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction: co-evolution and interaction with the law of the sea. Frontiers in Marine Science 6: 1-11
Recommended reading
- Jones et al. (2017) Biological responses to disturbance from simulated deep-sea polymetallic nodule mining. PloS One 12: e0171750
- Levin et al. (2016) Defining 'serious harm' to the marine environment in the context of deep-seabed mining, Marine Policy 74: 245-259
- Gollner et al. (2017) Resilience of benthic deep-sea fauna to mining activities. Marine Environmental Research 129: 76-101
- Jaeckel et al. (2016) Sharing benefits of the common heritage of mankind - Is the deep seabed mining regime ready? Marine Policy 70: 198-204
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Students will acquire and develop the following transferable skills:
1. General critical thinking and analytical understanding of diverse drivers and impacts around coastal marine environmental assessments and project management.
2. Exposure to different NGO, industry and government perspectives on marine infrastructure projects and projections.
3. Organisation skills to plan, execute and report on scientific investigation and management evaluations.
4. To participate in individual and team activities toward the completion of assignments and goals.
5. Critical thinking with regard to the evaluation of sources of information, the feasibility of management options and interpretation of outcomes.
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| Keywords | marine infrastructure,built environments,project development,mitigation,environmental change |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Lea-Anne Henry
Tel: (0131 6)50 5425
Email: L.Henry@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Susie Crocker
Tel: (0131 6)51 7126
Email: Susie.Crocker@ed.ac.uk |
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