
Marine Spatial Planning
MARINE
SPATIAL PLANNING
In the busy ocean, how do we adequately balance the needs of diverse ocean users while keeping the marine environment healthy and accessible now and for future generations?
The answer is Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). MSP is a public participatory process that uses the best available information about the natural environment and human activities (such as fishing, shipping, renewable energy, aquaculture, and infrastructure) to direct how we plan for future use and conservation of ocean space.
The Waitt Institute team includes experts in the science, policy, legal, and communications fields. We bring our technical expertise to support our government partners in developing and implementing Marine Spatial Plans, in support of a more sustainable future for our ocean.
MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
is a public participatory process to determine the best uses of ocean space.
The result is a map-based Marine Spatial Plan. Countries use their plans to designate what activities are allowed in each ocean space, what areas should be protected, and what implementation measures are needed to achieve their goals.

WHAT
WE OFFER
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World-class experience with MSP across widely varying social, cultural, policy, and scientific settings

Support in public consultation, scientific and legal assessments, communications, and strategies for MSP development and implementation
CORE
PRINCIPLES

SCIENCE-BASED
Using best available information about the natural environment and human uses to make informed decisions.

COLLABORATIVE
Engaging ocean stakeholders and communities to ensure all voices are heard and represented.

BALANCED
Prioritizing environmental protection, economic prosperity, and societal wellbeing.
OUR
APPROACH





SCIENTIFIC & POLICY ASSESSMENTS
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN ADOPTION
IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING
THE
RESULTS
BARBUDA
Barbuda is a 160 sq. km. island in the Eastern Caribbean known for its blue water and pristine beaches. The island’s economy is reliant on the shipment of conch, lobster, and other exports. In 2014, Barbuda passed a Marine Spatial Plan to protect 33% of their ocean and create five marine sanctuaries to preserve their economy and livelihoods for future generations.
The MSP was developed with input from a number of community consultations to understand Barbudans’ priorities for conservation and zone boundaries, as well as a legal framework assessment to understand existing laws and regulations. All of the zones were drawn by Barbudans.
OUR
EXPERTS

Andy Estep
Science Director
Scientist with extensive experience creating portfolios of science-based projects to support MSP and the designation and placement of marine protected areas.

John Weber
Marine Spatial Planning Director
Policy planning and policy expert with 15+ years of experience developing innovative solutions to further ocean conservation and spatial planning for communities.

Vanessa Dick
Legal Director
Lawyer supporting government partners to draft and implement legal frameworks to achieve sustainable ocean management.

Matt Pauvfe
Science Manager
Data specialist with experience in managing geospatial data, reference libraries and aquatic research.
OUR
COLLABORATORS

60+ countries around the globe are using MSP to manage their ocean economies.
LINKS &
RESOURCES
MSP Around the Globe - UNESCO Marine Spatial Planning Programme
Designating Marine Spatial Planning for Implementation: A Guide for Legal Drafters - May 2020
