National Goals of Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning

For CMSP to be successful, it must be based on clear, broad-based goals that define desired outcomes to be achieved. CMSP in the United States will be developed and implemented to further the following:

Seven National Goals

Support sustainable, safe, secure, efficient, and productive uses of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes, including those that contribute to the economy, commerce, recreation, conservation, homeland and national security, human health, safety, and welfare;

1. Protect, maintain, and restore the Nation’s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and ensure resilient ecosystems and their ability to provide sustained delivery of ecosystem services;
2. Provide for and maintain public access to the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes;
3. Promote compatibility among uses and reduce user conflicts and environmental impacts;
4. Improve the rigor, coherence, and consistency of decision-making and regulatory processes;
5. Increase certainty and predictability in planning for and implementing new investments for ocean coastal, and Great Lakes uses; and
6. Enhance interagency, intergovernmental, and international communication and collaboration.