Türkiye's Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

Türkiye’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a planning process aimed at organizing, through a scientific multisectoral and sustainable approach, the diverse activities occurring in marine and coastal areas. In this context, the first academic MSP map of Türkiye, prepared by the Ankara University National Research Center for Maritime Law (DEHUKAM), was made available online on 16 April 2025.

Türkiye Marine Spatial Planning Map, 16 April 2025 – DEHUKAM

Definition and Scope of Planning

MSP is a process that organizes activities conducted simultaneously in marine areas in a spatial and temporal manner to ensure compatibility. This approach aims to prevent conflicts among activities and prioritizes the efficient utilization of existing natural resources. Planning encompasses not only the allocation of areas but also determines which activities are permitted in those areas, during which periods and at what intensity.

The activities considered under MSP include:

• Fishing
• Maritime transport
• Hydrocarbon exploration and production
• Renewable energy projects
• Marine and coastal tourism
• Scientific research
• Mariculture
• Natural conservation areas
• Port and shipyard operations
• Cables and pipelines
• Underwater cultural heritage studies
• Military training and exercise areas

Within this framework, strategies are being developed to minimize inter-sectoral conflicts and enable the sustainable use of marine areas.

Geographical Scope

Türkiye’s MSP map includes not only its territorial waters but also the continental shelf, exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and transitional areas under different jurisdictional regimes. In the Aegean Sea, area delineations are based solely on the median line between Türkiye and Greece, as no agreement exists between the two countries regarding maritime jurisdictional boundaries. This representation does not imply any claim of jurisdictional authority or international boundary definition.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the continental shelf delimitation agreement signed between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 2011 and the agreement reached between Türkiye and Libya in 2019 serve as the basis for delineation. Türkiye’s external boundaries in this region were notified to the United Nations on 18 December 2020. In the Black Sea, the EEZ boundaries established under the 1978 continental shelf agreement with the Soviet Union and subsequent bilateral accords are taken into account in the planning process.

Legal and Administrative Framework

Although Türkiye has not yet adopted a specific MSP law, several regulatory instruments provide the foundation for the process. These include the Coastal Law No. 3621 (1984), the Environmental Law No. 2872 (1983), the Fisheries Products Law No. 1380 (1971), the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (updated in 2023), and the Sustainable Blue Economy Plan for 2025 (Action).

Türkiye, although not a member of the European Union, conducts its MSP process in alignment with the principles set out in the EU’s 2014 Marine Spatial Planning Directive. Accordingly, MSP activities cover the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Projects involving the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Turkish) are also included in the planning framework (common).

DEHUKAM and the Türkiye MSP Platform

As part of the first academic MSP initiative led by DEHUKAM, the Türkiye MSP Platform was established. The platform brings together MSP projects implemented in Türkiye alongside relevant legislation and provides an open-data-supported digital infrastructure. The platform’s most critical component is an online mapping system that visually represents the spatial distribution of sectors operating within Türkiye’s maritime jurisdictional areas (activity) (opportunity).

Scientific Basis and Application Nature of the Map

The Türkiye MSP map developed by DEHUKAM is the outcome of projects conducted with various institutions and ongoing academic research. It has been prepared using scientific methods to process publicly available data but does not constitute an official document representing the position of the Republic of Türkiye.

The map only indicates project implementation zones and does not reflect Türkiye’s official boundaries or maritime jurisdictional claims. In a statement issued by DEHUKAM, it was emphasized that this map is a “living document” capable of being developed and updated according to evolving needs.

International Cooperation and Coordination with the TRNC

The Türkiye MSP process has been designed to incorporate transboundary cooperation. Coordination efforts in the field of MSP have been carried out between DEHUKAM and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with plans underway to expand this collaboration in the future. In this context, Türkiye’s maritime strategies encompass institutional and legal cooperation at the regional level.