Does the National Policy zone or restrict uses, such as recreational fishing, or curtail access?
The National Policy is not a map drawing exercise and does not contain a zoning plan or establish any restrictions on activities, nor does it restrict access. Rather, the framework for CMSP describes a process for developing and implementing coastal and marine spatial planning in the United States. CMSP is a multi-year process for the development of coastal and marine spatial plans (CMS Plans) that will include extensive stakeholder and public participation. The CMSP process will enable improved coordination with the conservation activities of recreational users, who have a long history of actively participating in the stewardship of these resources. Management decisions will be made under existing statutory authority to promote cross-sector, compatible uses of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in a sustainable manner. This will help ensure healthier oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, to the benefit of all recreational activities and the communities and economies that rely on the
