A Proposed Institutional and Technical Model for Establishing a Marine Information System in Türkiye’s Marine Area Management

Abstract

The lack of comprehensive and standardized spatial data, which is the most fundamental requirement for the effective management and sustainable use of marine areas, complicates the processes of planning, implementation and monitoring in these areas. Today, institutions responsible for marine areas produce spatial data of varying characteristics in line with their respective areas of responsibility and objectives. However, the production of these data in different standards and formats, lacking inter-institutional coordination, brings with it "interoperability" issues in terms of data sharing and integrated use. Although efforts to establish a National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Türkiye began a quarter of a century ago, a comprehensive information system covering spatial data for coastal and marine areas has not been established. Based on this deficiency, the study addresses the establishment of a "Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure" – in other words, a Marine Information System – compatible with international data standards as an inevitable necessity for the effective management of Türkiye’s marine areas. Within the scope of this study, the literature on marine information systems was reviewed, and the application models of competent countries and organizations (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Australian Marine Spatial Information System, Marine Data Infrastructure Germany, etc.) were examined. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the institutional structure responsible for the marine information system that can manage Türkiye-specific conditions, considering national and international legal regulations and global practices. As a result of the study, the fundamental data classes and data types that should be included in the initial phase of the Türkiye Marine Information System were identified, and a proposal was developed regarding the competent authority responsible for system governance. This study provides an institutional and technical roadmap that will contribute to the data-driven and spatial management of Türkiye’s rights and interests within its maritime jurisdiction areas.