In this episode of Environmentally Speaking, environmental attorney Marisa Desautel and co-host Clarice Parsons unpack the concept of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)—a legal and policy framework designed to organize human activities in the ocean while balancing conservation and economic growth.

Topics covered include:

How Marine Spatial Planning mirrors land-use zoning principles

The role of federal and state policy in shaping offshore wind projects

Why stakeholder engagement is critical yet often overlooked

The tension between private profit and public interest in ocean use

Understanding “knock-on effects” and cumulative environmental impacts

Lessons from the United Kingdom’s approach to marine management

The future of collaborative planning for U.S. coastal waters

Whether you’re an attorney, policymaker, or coastal advocate, this episode offers insight into the legal tools and policy discussions shaping the next generation of ocean management.