Fisheries Administration and Lagislation

Unit 6 - Laws and policies related to the environment

6.6. Integrated coastal and ocean management (ICM)
ICM can be defined as ‘‘a continuous and dynamic process by which decisions are taken for the sustainable use, development, and protection of coastal and marine areas and resources’’. ICM involves the application of a set of principles: overarching principles, principles related to environment and development, and principles related to the special character of oceans and coasts. Overarching principles guiding ICM are: (1) sustainable development, and (2) integration.
Functions

• Area planning- Plan for present and future uses of coastal and marine areas, Provide a long-term vision
• Promotion of economic development- Promote appropriate uses of coastal and marine areas (e.g., marine aquaculture, ecotourism)
• Stewardship of resources- Protect the ecological base of coastal and marine areas, Preserve biological diversity, Ensure sustainability of uses
• Conflict resolution- Harmonize and balance existing/potential uses, Address conflicts among coastal and marine uses
• Protection of public safety-Protect public safety in coastal and marine areas typically prone to significant natural, as well as human-made, hazards
• Proprietorship of public submerged lands and waters- As governments are often outright owners of specific coastal and marine areas, manage government-held areas and resources wisely and with good economic returns to the public