Achieving comprehensive integrated ocean management requires normative, applied, and empirical integration

•There are a confusing array of frameworks used for pursuing integrated ocean management•We propose model classifying across three categories integration•Frameworks should aim normative, applied, and empirical (NAE) integration•Classifying by NAE supports more comprehensive approach to integration Modern governance aims create sustainable, equitable, inclusive managing our oceans. A range have been developed ensure that integrates different objectives, knowledge, sectoral uses. However, there so many it is not always clear which use in situation. We means these can be classified. First, we explored whether the integrate goals, such as social, economic, environmental objectives. Second, examined uses, fishing, shipping, tourism. Finally, data knowledge sources, biophysical, cultural, economic data. This allowed development typology frameworks. will allow decision makers tailor their selections management. Our oceans, communities rely on them, facing diverse, interconnected, cumulative threats, large-scale industrialization, climate change, pollution. Integrated management (IOM) designed address threats coordinated way while ensuring equitable distribution resources reduction conflict between invested parties. There are, however, often competing approaches IOM, inhibit success its application undermine sustainability efforts. Here, an (normative, empirical) conceptual demonstrate utility this tool through categorize IOM In doing so, identify most provide insufficient one or focus areas. By identifying gaps, future support integration. Human activities affect marine environments coastal development, unsustainable pollution, invasive species, habitat loss, change. These pressures projected intensify new industries increasing populations compete access space offshore regions.1Merrie A. Dunn D.C. Metian M. Boustany A.M. Takei Y. Elferink A.O. Ota Christensen V. Halpin P.N. Österblom H. 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Open table tab depicted. augmented triangulated online determined practice whom. targeted academics practitioners (for government nongovernment officials) intergovernmental organizations industry. total 54 complete received regions Africa, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North South Southeast Asia, Southern Western Pacific S1). majority respondents and/or researchers (62%), whereas those remaining classified incorporating officials (22%), nongovernmental organization (5%), (4%), others (7%). At response provided survey, except nature’s contributions people, only partially response, interactive (Table S2). removed Even though number low responses, included them acknowledge numbers uncertainty around validity findings; maintain fuller dataset approach. Furthermore, triangulating evaluations us few additional source. Figure 2 output regard position graph result (expressed percentage) (NAE). generated profile 14% 0% 86% ERA 37%, 26%, respectively. Almost integration, livelihoods, greater (75%), services, predominant (86%). indicated accounting relatively strong (57%), (MPAs) nominated (56%). ICZM (48%) (46%) both joint appeared ERA, social well-being, systems, balanced profile. EBM, reported dispersed participants trend, indicating