Using Spatial Planning Tools to Identify Potential Areas for the Harnessing of Ocean Currents in the Mexican Caribbean

Isabel Bello-Ontiveros, Gabriela Mendoza-González, Lizbeth Márquez-Pérez and Rodolfo Silva
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Isabel Bello-Ontiveros: Facultad de Ciencias, UMDI-Sisal, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Sierra Papacal-Chuburná Puerto Km 5, Sierra Papacal 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
Gabriela Mendoza-González: Conacyt–Facultad de Ciencias, UMDI-Sisal, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Sierra Papacal-Chuburná Puerto Km 5, Sierra Papacal 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
Lizbeth Márquez-Pérez: Facultad de Ciencias, UMDI-Sisal, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Sierra Papacal-Chuburná Puerto Km 5, Sierra Papacal 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
Rodolfo Silva: Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio 17, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Yucatan, Mexico

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-23

Abstract: A spatial analysis was carried out to evaluate the compatibility of human activities and biophysical characteristics in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, in order to identify the most viable areas for energy generation from ocean currents and the areas where the population would most benefit from such energy projects. Of the study area, 82% have some form of protection legislation. Tourism is the main economic activity in the area and this is reflected in a wide range of activities and services that often overlap within the same spatial area. In the case study, the use of renewable ocean energies is seen as an important innovation to reduce fossil fuel dependency. These energies have the potential to meet the demands of the region. However, it is vital to seek for potential areas for this type of energy harvesting where the social, economic and environmental impacts would be minimal. The lack of marine policies and land-use planning processes in Mexico is a major obstacle in avoiding land use conflicts.

Keywords: ocean energy harvesting; marine spatial planning; environmental impact; mitigation strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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