Co-utilization of offshore wind farms and offshore aquaculture in the German EEZ

The concept of multifunctional use of marine offshore areas receives increased significance in the light of sustainable development in heavily used marine areas. Here we defined potential areas in the German EEZ for the co-utilization of offshore wind farms and offshore aquaculture applying integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approaches. We combined a geographic information system (GIS), spatial distribution models and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) to index suitable multifunctional sites. The procedure as well as the main findings of the GIS-MCE modelling approach are summarised to demonstrate the applicability of the GIS-MCE and the need for modelling techniques for spatial optimisation using geo-spatial tools. Finally, different spatial multi-use scenarios for the coupling of offshore IMTA-systems and wind farms are evaluated in order to support efficient and sustainable marine spatial management (MSP) strategies