What is Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning?

Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) is about proper use and management of ocean and coastal spaces based on publicly agreed upon goals and objectives. It is about ensuring that marine uses are compatible and occur in areas where environmental effects are avoided or minimized. The need for CMSP is the result of increasing competition for ocean space by existing and emerging users. It is now critical to better coordinate decision making to meet both economic and conservation objectives.

Internationally, CMSP is defined as “a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that are usually specified through a political process” (UNESCO 2009). To date, this has been the general definition followed in Canada, while the United States has defined CMSP as “a comprehensive, adaptive, integrated, ecosystem-based, and transparent planning process, based on sound science, for analyzing current and anticipated uses of ocean, coastal and Great Lake areas” (Ocean Policy Task Force 2010).

Ocean Planning Across the Borders

Canada’s Oceans Act and Oceans Strategy: Our Oceans, Our Future provide a policy and operational framework for integrated management of estuarine, coastal, and marine environments. The approach is centered on the principle of integrated management, a commitment to planning and managing human activities in a comprehensive manner while considering all measures necessary for the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of ocean resources and the shared use of ocean areas. However, there is no reference to marine spatial planning (MSP). Ocean managers in Canada use the UNESCO-IOC definition of MSP as “a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that are usually specified through a political process.”

In the United States, coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) is defined by the National Ocean Council as a “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.” CMSP identifies areas most suitable for various activities in order to reduce use conflicts, reduce environmental impacts, facilitate compatible uses, and preserve critical ecosystem services to meet economic, environmental, security, and social objectives. In practical terms, CMSP provides a public policy process for society to better determine how the ocean, coasts, and the Great Lakes are sustainably used and protected now and for future generations.

A Common Approach for the Gulf

In spite of differences in terminology and legislation, there is a distinct similarity in the approach of the US and Canada to CMSP. In both countries CMSP is implemented at the regional level and includes coastal and ocean waters out to the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. In the Gulf of Maine Canada will implement CMSP through a Regional Oceans Plan for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion and on the US side through the Northeast Regional Ocean Plan.

In both countries, federal laws and statutes are used to coordinate decision-making with provinces, states and Tribes. Regional bodies have been established on both sides of the border to support the development of CMSP, the Northeast Regional Planning Body in the US and the Regional Committee on Coastal and Oceans Management in Canada. Key components of CMSP in both countries include engaging stakeholders in the CMSP process, developing regional goals, and compiling data on human use patterns and ecological information.

Role of the Gulf of Maine Council’s CMSP Committee

Successful CMSP requires compilation of regional data and information and the mapping of human uses and areas of ecological significance. Ecosystem impacts and implications span political boundaries and are a common concern for countries across those borders. As both Canada and the US conduct bioregional planning, the Gulf of Maine Council’s unique organizational setup serves as a forum to share key information, knowledge, and data. This provides a unique opportunity for cross-border, to learn from mutual experiences with CMSP, to share scientific information, and to support collaborative projects aimed to fill knowledge gaps. The mandate of the CMSP Committee is to:

  • Investigate and make recommendations on roles and activities of the Council in CMSP;
  • Track and exchange information on CMSP policies and activities on both sides of the border.

The Committee maintains an open dialogue on CMSP initiatives across the border, seeking opportunities to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions. It will share information and knowledge on best practices, tools and techniques, in addition to sharing information on human use patterns and ecological data. The Committee will report to the Council on progress and identify opportunities where the Council can contribute to advancing CMSP within the Gulf of Maine.
CMSP Events

During the Gulf of Maine Council’s December 9, 2025 meeting, CMSP Committee hosted a presentation from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy.

During the Gulf of Maine Council’s January 23, 2025 meeting, the CMSP Committee hosted a session regarding offshore wind planning updates in Canada and the US.

During the Gulf of Maine Council’s January 24, 2024 Meeting, the CMSP Committee hosted a presentation on offshore wind planning in Nova Scotia.

During the Gulf of Maine Council’s June 7-8, 2023 meeting, the CMSP Committee hosted an update regarding marine spatial planning activities in Canada.

During the July 28-29, 2022 Gulf of Maine Council meeting, the CMSP Committee hosted the following presentations on marine planning, ocean policy, and renewable energy planning:

The Gulf of Maine Council’s CMSP Committee hosted a forum on June 21, 2021 to discuss the current landscape of coastal and marine spatial planning in the Gulf of Maine and opportunities for continued Canadian / US collaboration. Presentations from the forum are available below:

The Gulf of Maine Council’s CMSP Committee hosted a webinar on May 16, 2017 to discuss activities in the Gulf of Maine region and identify opportunities for Canadian / US collaboration.  Presentations from the webinar are available below:

United States, Canada, and International Links

United States

Canada

International