Marine Spatial Plan (MSP)

Why in News?

Odisha has become the first state in India to implement a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) in the second phase of India’s sustainable ocean planning initiative.

• Definition – It is a governance tool for sustainable and integrated ocean management.
• Aim – Boost the blue economy, strengthen climate resilience, and balance ecological, economic, and social objectives.
• Scope – Allocates marine areas for activities like fisheries, aquaculture, ports, ocean energy, tourism, and biodiversity protection.
• Nodal ministry – Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Memorandum of Understanding signed between the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• It is a part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative.

The Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and jobs while preserving marine health.

Context of Odisha

• Odisha is the first state and Second Phase of MSP.
• Coastline – 480–550 km, featuring lagoons, mangroves, estuaries.
• NCCR will map the vegetation below the water, which is called benthic mapping.
• The NCCR will study the kind of water, its salinity, temperature, and other aspects, and prepare parameters.

• Economic Linkages – Supports livelihoods, hydropower, ports, and pilgrimage routes.
• Other Initiative – Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC, 2025) to promote marine biotech startups and ecological protection.
• It will also strengthen the MSP initiative.

Supports India’s Vision 2047 and Odisha’s Vision 2036 for sustainable coastal development.

References

1. Indian Express | MSP
2. MSN | MSP