Here, we examine if EwE can be connected to MSP, considering the range of constraints imposed by fast model runs, while still providing cascading ecological feedback. To enhance the ability to represent ecological effects of spatial plans (Steenbeek 2018), the simulation platform has been integrated with the ecosystem modeling approach Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE Christensen and Walters 2004, Heymans et al. It uses advanced game technology and aspects of gameplay to engage and facilitate planners and stakeholders in their dialogue and support their learning. The MSP Challenge has been designed to help decision makers, stakeholders, and students understand and manage the maritime (blue) economy and marine environment. The MSP Challenge simulation platform has been developed to explore these ideas further in the context of ecosystem-based MSP. However, management of marine space, on short and long time scales, across a wide range of socioeconomic sectors and national and transnational boundaries, under the influence of natural processes and climate change, with their associated uncertainty, is a daunting task for which managers and planners are often ill-prepared (Mayer et al. The main purpose of MSP, according to the directive, is to promote sustainable development, to identify the use of maritime space, and to manage spatial uses and conflicts in marine areas (European Commission 2014). In 2014, the European Union (EU) adopted the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU). MSP is seen as a cross-cutting policy tool enabling public authorities and stakeholders to apply a coordinated, integrated, and transboundary approach to marine development (European Commission 2007, Foley et al. Marine or maritime spatial planning (MSP) has developed as a mechanism to cope with the significant challenges that come along with the allocation of human activities and ecological functions to marine space. 2016), and planning and management of marine space is a matter of national and international importance. Marine and coastal ecosystems worldwide are under increasing pressure because of a wide variety of human activities (Kannen 2014, Tamis et al.

Oceans and seas play a vital role in society, and many countries rely on access to the sea for food and social and economic development (Douvere and Ehler 2009).

Plan B by S.J.D. Peterson