Cabinet Order No. 232 of 2019 on Maritime Spatial Planning for the Inland Sea, Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zones of the Republic of Latvia until 2030

The Maritime Spatial Plan (the MSP) is a national level long-term spatial development planning document that defines in writing and graphical form the use and conditions for the use of the sea for the inland waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone waters of the Republic of Latvia. The MSP has been developed for the entire part of the Baltic Sea under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Latvia up to the outer border of the exclusive economic zone. The outer borders of the MSP conform to the state border agreements and hydrographically defined sea borders under the jurisdiction of Latvia. The aim of the MSP is to balance the interests of the environment, society and economy and to promote the sustainable development of the marine space, permitting or restricting specific actions in the sea and along the coast. In order to promote the implementation of the long-term vision and strategic priorities, three strategic objectives have been set: rational and balanced use of the marine space, preventing inter-sectoral conflicts and preserving free space for future needs and opportunities; the marine ecosystem and its ability to regenerate is preserved, ensuring the protection of biological diversity and averting excessive pressure from economic activities; and integrated use of marine and terrestrial areas by promoting development of maritime related businesses and the development of the required infrastructure.