Dr. Tim O'Higgins:

The ecosystem-based approach is supposed to integrate the connections between land, air, water, all living things, human beings and their institutions. This approach is common to both the marine spatial planning directive and the marine strategy framework directive. It is an underlying common principle in marine spatial planning and environmental protection. Our approach will certainly be an ecosystem-based approach and will also speak to the matter of planning. The intention is to have a unified approach. It is quite an ambitious aim but it is certainly our intention.