Abstract

Marine spatial planning (MSP) has become a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of sustainable fisheries management, offering a structured and integrative approach to organizing the use of marine spaces. This paper explores the significance of MSP in fisheries management, highlighting its ability to balance competing marine activities, conserve vital ecosystems, and enhance the sustainability of fish stocks. Key components of MSP, including stakeholder engagement, data collection, zoning, and adaptive management, are examined. The benefits of MSP, such as conflict reduction, improved ecosystem health, economic advantages, and increased resilience to climate change, are discussed alongside challenges like data gaps, stakeholder conflicts, governance issues, and enforcement difficulties. The paper underscores MSP’s essential role in fostering sustainable and resilient fisheries, advocating for its broader implementation amid growing pressures on marine resources.