Ecosystem-based planning seeks to identify and understand the important ecological characteristics of an area, and then to design plans to guide the development of ecologically responsible human activities in that space.

Ecosystem-based planning focuses on the diverse benefits provided by functioning marine ecosystems, rather than on single species, habitat or ecosystem service. An ecosystem-based approach ensures that the protected species, habitats and the unique ecosystems that support them are maintained. All such species/habitats are interconnected and cannot be considered independently. Such benefits or services include vibrant commercial and recreational fisheries, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy from wind or waves and coastal protection. Of the four factors listed here, biodiversity conservation, inshore fisheries and coastal protection are threatened by the development of current Irish government plans for coastal offshore wind development.