biostudies-literatureBocci MHorizon 2020 Framework Programmee0215010https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6459540biostudies-literatureUnknown14(4)The concept of multi-use of the sea has gained popularity in recent years as a result of ocean space (coastal areas and regions with relatively small sea space in particular) becoming increasingly crowded due to the development of the maritime economy. Competing claims for space can be a source of conflict, however this may also lead to mutual benefits for different users when sustainable combinations are sought. Despite increasing European-wide efforts, on-the-ground knowledge and practice of multi-use are still limited. Therefore, with the aim of investigating opportunities for multi-use development in the European seas, 10 case studies were selected, involving different site-specific contexts. This study analyses the characteristics and development potential for ocean multi-use, integraPloS oneMulti-use of the sea: A wide array of opportunities from site-specific cases across Europe.PMC6459540727451Buchanan BRamieri ESangiuliano SJKafas ASchultz-Zehden ASchupp MFBocci MPapaioannou ECana-Varona MVassilopoulou VOnyango VAnsong JOSarretta AVergilio MfalseMulti-use of the sea: A wide array of opportunities from site-specific cases across Europe.The concept of multi-use of the sea has gained popularity in recent years as a result of ocean space (coastal areas and regions with relatively small sea space in particular) becoming increasingly crowded due to the development of the maritime economy. Competing claims for space can be a source of conflict, however this may also lead to mutual benefits for different users when sustainable combinations are sought. Despite increasing European-wide efforts, on-the-ground knowledge and practice of multi-use are still limited. Therefore, with the aim of investigating opportunities for multi-use development in the European seas, 10 case studies were selected, involving different site-specific contexts. This study analyses the characteristics and development potential for ocean multi-use, integra2019-01-01T00:00:00Z20192026-05-02T03:24:31.261Z2025-05-31T23:17:12.541ZS-EPMC64595403097389510.1371/journal.pone.0215010