Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
Introduction to Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) is a comprehensive, adaptive, integrated, ecosystem-based, and transparent spatial planning process, based on sound science, for analyzing current and anticipated uses of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas. In practical terms, CMSP provides a public policy process for society to better determine how these areas are sustainably used and protected – now and for future generations.
CMSP is one of the nine priority objectives described in the Final Recommendations. The CMSP framework for the United States provides a definition of CMSP, identifies the reasons for engaging in CMSP, and describes its geographic scope. It articulates national CMSP objectives and describes how CMSP and CMS Plans are regional in scope and developed cooperatively among Federal, State, tribal, local authorities, and regional governance structures, with substantial stakeholder and public input. CMSP is intended to yield substantial economic, ecological, and social benefits.
