Promoting Blue Growth through Ocean Multi-Use: critical insight for governing, steering and managing the Blue Realm

International audienceDefined as the intentional joint use of resources in close geographic proximity by complementary marine uses or users, ocean multi-use recently emerged as a marine policy concept promoting Blue Growth. This novel idea gained popularity over the last decade among scientists and marine planners in Europe. Several projects are currently dedicated to foster multi-use and to streamline it into marine spatial planning policies. Theoretically, combining marine uses is a rationale and integrated approach to maritime spaces' management maximizing economical profits while reducing conflicts and supporting sustainable development. In practice, it mainly supports the development of new ocean uses such as marine renewable energies, offshore aquaculture and fishing-based tourism. Therefore, ocean multi-use not only meets Blue Growth's promise, but also current trends shaping marine spaces' appropriation, occupation and exploitation. The rise of ocean multi-use in marine policies echoes critical debates about limits to Blue Growth. Even if an emerging substantial body of literature on ocean multi-use already exists, this concept remains doubtful when developed in practice: Is it capable to combine economic, social and environmental goals? Is ocean multi-use increasing or reducing spatial pressures on marine spaces Who are multi-use winners and losers? etc. This paper aims at contributing to feed a debate still in its infancy with Multi-Frame's preliminary results (systematic review of the scientific literature and bibliometric analysis. This project (2020-2023) aims at investigating, assessing and promoting multi-use in a global perspective 1. Firstly, we will trace the history of this concept, explaining the role of science and marine policies in exploring and promoting synergies between human activities at sea. Secondly, we will analyze multi-use rationale by confronting social, economical, environmental and spatial arguments supporting multi-use with the results of applied research projects. We will discuss ocean multi-use narratives within the broader context of the limits to Blue Growth and their implications for governing, steering and managing the blue realm