On 18 May 2026, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis told the European Parliament plenary that the forthcoming Ocean Act, a key legislative proposal under the European Ocean Pact, will revise the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive to strengthen stakeholder engagement, particularly for coastal and local communities, and better integrate fisheries, aquaculture, marine protected areas, and renewable energy. Kadis spoke during the debate on the implementation report by MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, which he praised as timely given the Commission's preparation of the Ocean Act, set for adoption by the end of the year. The public consultation for the Ocean Act was launched on 23 April 2026.
Kadis outlined several concrete proposals for the Ocean Act. The revision will look into strengthening stakeholder involvement in maritime spatial planning, with special attention to coastal and local communities. It will also aim to preserve sufficient space for fisheries and aquaculture, marine protected areas, and areas for renewable energy production and maritime transport. The objective to further integrate aquaculture and shellfish farming into maritime spatial planning aligns with the EU Strategic Guidelines for aquaculture. The Ocean Act will also support the identification of suitable aquaculture areas and increase coherence between national aquaculture strategies and maritime spatial planning.
On cross-border planning, Kadis stressed the importance of working at sea-basin level, ensuring that all activities such as fisheries and aquaculture are fully integrated into cross-border planning. The Ocean Act will look into strengthening regional governance, building on the work of regional organisations and stronger cooperation with non-EU countries, particularly in the Channel and the North Sea, where initiatives like the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative already play a role.
Kadis noted that coherent maritime spatial planning requires joint use of maritime space by different stakeholders, and that national plans increasingly explore multi-use implementation combining fisheries, aquaculture, and marine protected areas. He emphasised the need for Member States to rely on the best available data from the Maritime Spatial Planning Platform.
The speech contained concrete proposals for the Ocean Act, including a revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive with measurable objectives such as strengthening stakeholder engagement, integrating aquaculture, and enhancing regional governance. The policy orientation shifts towards a more integrated, multi-use approach to maritime spatial planning, balancing economic activities like fisheries and renewable energy with environmental protection.
Stakeholder impact: The Ocean Act will positively affect coastal and local communities by strengthening their engagement in planning processes. Fisheries and aquaculture sectors will benefit from preserved space and support for suitable area identification, but may face increased competition for maritime space from renewable energy and transport. Renewable energy producers will gain clearer frameworks for co-existence but may encounter additional stakeholder consultation requirements. EU Member States will need to update national plans and improve cross-border cooperation, incurring administrative costs but gaining better data and regional coordination.