Maritime infrastructure impacts on marine socio-ecological systems: a literature review

Abstract

Maritime infrastructure plays a pivotal role in supporting economic development, energy transition, and global maritime connectivity. However, its interactions with Marine Socio-Ecological Systems (MSES) are complex and multifaceted. While previous studies have examined ecological or socio-economic impacts in isolation, there is a paucity of research integrating these impacts within the broader context of MSES. This study addresses this gap through a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of empirical and theoretical studies on maritime infrastructure. Findings indicate that maritime infrastructure provides numerous positive impacts on MSES, including enhanced biodiversity, fisheries productivity, habitat complexity, renewable energy generation, coastal protection, and socio-economic resilience. Simultaneously, it generates negative impacts, including habitat loss, ecological fragmentation, disruption of major ecological processes, pollution, and reduced adaptive capacity of coastal communities. The study underscores the need for integrated, nature-inclusive design and governance strategies to balance economic development with ecological sustainability, thereby ensuring the long-term resilience and multifunctionality of MSES.