This initiative is a multidisciplinary project with thirteen partners from ten European countries, coordinated by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research. Europe’s coastal zones are of great socio-economic value, they are however also under pressure to balance competing activities and face potential conflict for space allocation. Stakeholder groups are diverse and represent diverse sectors, particularly fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, wind farm operation, and nature conservation in marine protected areas. Above all this is the requirement to preserve a valuable natural resource and meet environmental protection rules and regulations. This is the challenge the COEXIST project faces.