Setting the scene

In the Central Baltic case study area, the Exclusive Economic Zones of Estonia, Latvia and Sweden meet and the territorial waters of Latvia and Estonia meet in the Gulf of Riga. The area encompasses the Territorial Waters of the countries and includes four major islands: Hiiumaa, Saaremaa Gotland and Öland. Due to the Cold War and restricted areas, Estonia and Latvia first started in the beginning of the 90s to explore ways to economically use the sea. Figure 1 provides an overview of the area, showing municipalities, urban areas, respective territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as size of population on municipal level. In terms of GDP per capita for year 2013 of NUTS 3 regions (or comparable regional levels) the area shows a diverse picture (see Figure 2). The highest GDP per capita levels is found in the capital area of Stockholm. Central Baltic countries face common challenges concerning, for instance, demographic development, economic growth, unemployment (especially among young people) and rural development.

Figure 1: Urbanised areas in the Central Baltic case study area.

Figure 2: GDP per capita in the Central Baltic case study area.

The process of developing Maritime Spatial Plans is in different stages in the countries covered by the Central Baltic case study area.

• Latvia now is engaged in its own MSP process and has begun preparatory and start-up work. A key element of the work is an assessment and description of legislative regulations, content and scope of MSP in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden. During the ongoing MSP process Latvia and Estonia will seek coherence in Pärnu Bay area and around Hiiumaa Island in Estonia. Particular focus will be on the Strategy Environmental Assessment (SEA).
• In Estonia, two pilot MSPs are implemented for marine areas around Hiiu Island and within Pärnu Bay area. These plans will remain valid when the national MSP comes into place. Its planning process is expected to begin in 2017.
• In Sweden, there will be three MSPs for the Bothnian Bay, the Baltic Sea and the Western Waters (Skagerrak/Kattegatt). These plans will have a strategic character and will not be legally binding.

Read further on Preparatory Phase