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
Relevant links
Maritime Spatial Plan(s)
Status: Adopted
1st MSP cycle:
France adopted four maritime spatial plans, between April and May 2022 for the following sea basins:
- East Channel-North Sea
- North Atlantic-West Channel
- South Atlantic
- Mediterranean
They are the legal mechanism chosen by France to address the requirements of both the MSF Directive and MSP Directive and specify the conditions to implement the National Strategy for the Sea and the Coast (SNML) in accordance with local specificities. All the DSF contain two parts:
1.Initial assessment and strategic objectives and MSP - vocational map and fact sheets (finalised between September and October 2019)
2.Monitoring mechanism and action plan (finalised between April and May 2022)
Read the leaflet about MSP in France (EN)
2nd MSP cycle:
France endorsed its new National Strategy for the Sea and Coastline by decree on 10 June 2024, for the period 2024-2030.
View the National Strategy for the Sea and Coastline (EN)
A public consultation was opened between November 2023 and April 2024 to integrate new offshore renewable and biodiversity protection areas into the maritime spatial plans. From May to August 2025, public participation via electronic means took place with the aim of gathering public opinion on the final draft doucments. Finally, from May to October 2025, the environmental report, the opinion of the Environmental Authority, and the contributions of the public, neighbouring countries, and authorities were studied to finalize the plans for adoption.
The revised plans were adopted on November 2025.
View the French MSPs here (in French)
View the MSP for East Channel-North Sea
View the MSP for North Atlantic-West Channel
View the MSP for South Atlantic
View the the MSP for the Mediterranean
MSP legislation
The EU MSP Directive was transposed into national legislation through article 123 of law n°2016-1087 for the “reconquest of biodiversity, nature and landscapes” adopted on 8 August 2016. This article modifies the French Environmental code through the introduction of the concept of maritime spatial planning. The approaches for implementing article 123 are further elaborated through the political decree n°2017-724 adopted on 3rd May 2017.
National MSP authority
France's competent authority for MSP is the Secrétariat d’Etat en charge de la Mer.
Contact:
Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes, de la Pêche et de l'Aquaculture
sdpm.seml.dgampa
mer.gouv.fr (sdpm[dot]seml[dot]dgampa[at]mer[dot]gouv[dot]fr)
Tour Séquoia
92 055 La Défense Cedex
For more information
For more information regarding the evolution of the MSP process in France please see the dedicated country profile below.