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

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

Maldives_South Male_17032021_Jlepore_PAN

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.

Learn more about the Blue Halo Barbuda initiative.

View full Barbuda marine spatial plan

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.