This map was compiled from different international sources such as EMODnet, EEA or Marine Regions. Information obtained from these sources was cross-checked with data from national sources. While compilation was carried out by the European MSP Platform, validation and quality assurance remain the responsibility of the primary data sources.
Basic facts on Marine Waters
Maritime Spatial Plan(s)
Status: Adopted
Latvia adopted its maritime spatial plan, the Maritime Spatial Plan for Internal Waters, Territorial Waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Latvia (MSP 2030), in May 2019, under the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 232.
Latvia's MSP is available here (in English)
Latest MSP developments
The interim evaluation report of the maritime spatial plan was adopted in October 2024, presenting progress made in the implementation of the plan during 2019-2023.
Next steps
The results of LIFE Reef project, aiming to identify new marine protected areas, are expected to be available by the end of 2025, supporting the update of the MSP.
Proposal for legislation on possible multifunctional and efficient use of the sea, using one license area for more than one type of sea use shall be prepared by December 31, 2025.
For more information please click here
MSP legislation
The EU MSP Directive is transposed into national legislation through the Spatial Development Law 2011. This defines the requirement for MSP, prescribes the necessary secondary legislation and sets the deadline for beginning the process (1 January 2014). In 2012, the Latvian Government approved Regulation 740 on the Development, Implementation and Monitoring of a Maritime Spatial Plan; this sets out the content and development process for the Latvian MSP, as well as its implementation and monitoring procedures.
National MSP authority
Latvia's competent authority for MSP is the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, Spatial Planning Department (MoEPRD).
Contacts:
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Ms. Kristine Kedo
Head of Spatial Planning Policy Division
Peldu iela 25 Riga, LV-1494
Phone: + 371 67026558
e-mail: kristine.kedo
varam.gov.lv (kristine[dot]kedo[at]varam[dot]gov[dot]lv)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (Espoo Contact person)
State Environmental Bureau
Ms Ilze Lielvaivode
Senior expert
Environmental Impact Assessment Division
Phone: +371 67770825
e-mail: ilze.lielvalodevpvb.gov.lv (ilze[dot]lielvalode[at]vpvb[dot]gov[dot]lv)
For more information
For more information regarding the evolution of the MSP process in Latvia please see the dedicated country profile below.