Marine Spatial Planning is a process that results in more proactive, comprehensive state decision-making that supports healthy oceans, coasts, and communities. Find out more about Marine Spatial Planning by exploring the links on this page.

Human Use Data Workshop Summary Report

A workshop report summarizes the discussions and presentations from two workshops in July 2011. The workshops focused on available data on how humans use ocean and coastal resources and methods for collecting it. This type of data is essential to support coastal and marine spatial planning in Washington State. The workshop report also summarizes stakeholder and partner perspectives on data inventory needs, gaps and ideas for addressing data gaps.

Final Marine Spatial Planning Legislative Report

The report on Marine Spatial Planning required by SSB 6350 has been finalized. This report, drafted by the State Ocean Caucus, makes 21 recommendations, as well as several immediate next steps, to the legislature for moving forward with Marine Spatial Planning.

Legislature Passes Marine Spatial Planning Bill

In March 2010, the Washington State Legislature enacted a new law on marine spatial planning. Find out more about the new state law.

Ocean and coastal environments in Washington are critical to our economy, culture, and quality of life. They are rich in natural resources and biological diversity. They also support multiple commercial and recreational uses that sustain the economies of nearby communities and the entire state. These multiple uses as well as new emerging uses, such as renewable ocean energy, present a management challenge for sustaining healthy oceans and coasts.