Administrative Interface for Building and Deploying SeaSketch Surveys
Will McClintock, 2020
SeaSketch has features to develop and deploy spatial surveys that, for example, ask ocean users to identify valued or important areas (locations important for fishing, shipping, diving, aquaculture, traditional uses, etc.). Survey results may be used to create heatmaps that describe the distribution of valued areas. These results may be visualized (or not) and analysed when users draw prospective ocean zones to understand the potential value and impact of zoning scenarios.
Currently, SeaSketch surveys only work on a desktop computer with Internet connection. It does not work offline or on mobile devices. (The next version of SeaSketch which will be launched in January 2022 will be compatible with mobile devices. Shortly thereafter it will also work in an offline mode). So, plan on conducting surveys in an Internet-connected environment and using a desktop computer.
In many cases, surveys will require facilitation, particularly when the general population does not have personal computers.
While it's easy to develop a survey in SeaSketch, it's not always easy to do it from a scientifically defensible perspective. Consider working with a social scientist who can help you create a survey that uses well-established survey techniques.
Consider training a team of survey facilitators that can survey the local populations in person by meeting them at the docks, beach, cafes, institutions, etc. These facilitators should be trained in communicating the structure of the planning process and, in particular, how survey responses will be treated and used in planning.
Keep surveys very simple. The simpler the survey, the higher response rate you can expect. Scientists and planners are often keen on gathering as much information as possible from stakeholders. Resist the temptation to ask more questions that you absolutely need to properly engage stakeholders and do marine spatial planning.
Data Layers for Fishers Island Seagrass Management Planning
Will McClintock, 2020
Data Layers for Marine Planning in British Columbia
Will McClintock, 2020
Administrative Interface for Adding Map Services to SeaSketch
Will McClintock, 2020
The foundation of any SeaSketch project is geospatial information (maps) displayed as map services. There are no minimum data requirements. You can begin working with whatever you've got. Maps may be published as Esri REST Services (e.g., with ArcGIS Server or ArcGIS online) and open source mapping services (e.g., WMS, WMTS) and then imported into SeaSketch. Example maps include administrative boundaries (e.g., EEZ, territorial sea, existing MPAs), seafloor habitats, bathymetry, human uses, etc.
The maps you choose to include as Data Layers in SeaSketch depend on the goals of your process. If you are planning for marine protected areas, shipping lanes and aquaculture sites, you may want navigational charts, habitat maps, the distribution of fishing activities and other layers that may be used to guide users in the design of their plans. Protected areas are only meaningful if they effectively protect certain habitats, shipping lanes minimize collision and maximize efficiency, aquaculture sites are located in certain depth zones, etc. On a case-by-case basis, you will need to evaluate what data need to be viewed as maps, and what subset of these data need to be analysed.
In some cases, relevant map data may already be published as map services and discoverable in coastal atlases and other map portals. As long as they are in the correct formats (Esri map services, WMS, WMTS, etc), they may be imported directly into SeaSketch and displayed as map layers.
In many cases, it will be advantageous to publish your own map services for display in SeaSketch. This will give you control over the cartography and performance of the maps.
Successful projects usually have a single GIS technician who is responsible for locating existing map services, acquiring data from providers (government agencies, NGOs, academics) and generating new map services using standard desktop and web-mapping tools.
Barbuda Council with Partners in the Blue Halo Initiative
Will McClintock, 2020
SeaSketch is designed to be used primarily for collaborative planning. We've focused on Marine Spatial Planning, but the software can be used for terrestrial planning as well. Furthermore, the software is intended to help generate ocean zoning solutions. If these zones are to have a meaningful impact, such as conservation or benefits to the blue economy, there needs to be buy-in to the planning process by the host government institutions. If zones developed in SeaSketch are not legally adopted, they are less likely to have the desired effect.
A legal mandate for marine spatial planning is essential, without which plans are unlikely to be adopted. Furthermore, successful implementation of SeaSketch requires a genuine commitment to stakeholder engagement at various levels. It is one thing to set up a SeaSketch project with maps, sketch classes, forums and surveys, but it is another thing entirely to structure a planning process so that SeaSketch is used by stakeholders. One must create an accompanying stakeholder engagement plan to ensure stakeholders make good use of the tool.
A legal mandate for collaborative marine spatial planning and that maximizes stakeholder participation is essential. Without a mandate and a timeline for planning, one can plan for ages without generating a zoning solution. Simply having collaborative planning tools will not ensure that stakeholders will be engaged or that solutions reflect a variety of stakeholder interests.
In most cases, SeaSketch is used to support large-scale planning efforts where governments have mandated the establishment of a marine spatial plan and where broad stakeholder involvement is essential. In these cases, SeaSketch must be licensed by a lead agency or partner. SeaSketch may be used to visualize geospatial data as map services, collect to information via surveys, sketch and discuss plans. If plans are to be evaluated using analytics, geoprocessing services and reports must be developed in our lab. Note that a free license is available for educational institutions to use SeaSketch for strictly educational purposes.
In January 2022, we will release the next version of SeaSketch which will be entirely free and open source. Just as with the current version, many of the features within SeaSketch may be configured with minimal knowledge of or experience with GIS. The analytics and reports will be run on lambda and encoded using programming languages such as Javascript. Owners of projects may, therefore, set up their own SeaSketch project – from beginning to end – without intervention from our lab. It should be noted, however, that the geoprocessing and reporting framework, though free and open source, will require significant programming experience.
Currently the implementing agency (such as a government body, foundation or NGO) must purchase the license and contract for developing analytics. The current version requires an Internet connection, but the next version will include some offline capabilities. Successful implementation of SeaSketch will require some assistance from a GIS technician, for example publishing and importing map services.
SeaSketch is extremely valuable in creating a transparent and collaborative atmosphere, maximizing stakeholder participation, and grounding decisions in science-based information. We see the best results when SeaSketch is used in combination with other tools such as desktop GIS applications, trade-off analyses, prioritization tools (e.g., Marxan, Prioritizr), and cumulative impact analyses.
Partnership strengthens stakeholder linkages for Sustainable Growth
Start of Kinondo bank's construction in 2015
KMFRI
Ongoing construction of Kinondo Bank
KMFRI
Measuring the building during construction
KMFRI
Partnerships with KMFRI and other relevant county departments have enabled the proposal development by the association to be review regularly and more effectively in order to submit a clear and non-ambiguous proposal to the World Bank and other funders. Handholding by partner agencies such as KMFRI, WWF, National Bank, Base Titanium, etc. has been essential in enhancing the knowledge on tendering, procurement of construction material, furniture and equipment.
Recognition that the project is addressing the need of the entire community.
Presence and participation of stakeholders from various sectors is providing effective technical knowledge and know how, as well as opening career opportunities for the youth.
Participation of community members in the activities of various stakeholders is creating job opportunities.
Appropriate timing for engagement of the local communities is crucial for success – the day, place and time of engagement must be agreeable to all otherwise the partnership will be skewed and might appear to be imposed.
Respecting and appreciating community culture and traditions is critical for smooth implementation of project activities e.g. ceasing to work during prayer time, or rescheduling to attend meetings (Known as Baraza) hosted by area Chief or Government representatives.
Culture of saving part of the income earned from daily activities is possible through discipline and good planning.
Antagonizing the community against fellow partner agencies should be avoided at all time.
All partner agencies working with the communities must stick to their roles and responsibilities at all time.
Sustainability of the community project is the most crucial aspect that will ensure the project doesn’t collapse once the champions exit or move on. New members must therefore be recruited constantly and trained on the ideals of the project through an internship programme.
