Integrated environmental management of the oceans

The application of integrated environmental management (IEM) as an analytical framework and general methodology to support ocean governance is suggested in this paper. IEM is described as an adaptive process, which has to consider interactively problem assessment, policy priorities, the formulation of policies and their implementation in adequate measures, taking into account the multiple perspectives of the stakeholders involved. Relevant issues related to the accomplishment of IEM tasks for marine environments are discussed and some directions for further research are identified.