The  purpose  of  this  document  is  to  provide  the  framework for  Marine  Spatial  Planning  in South  Africa’s  ocean  space.  It  provides  high-level  direction  for  undertaking  Marine  Spatial Planning in  the  context  of  the  South  African legislation  and  policies as  well  as existing planning regimes. It describes the process for the preparation of Marine Area plans and their implementation,  in  order  to  ensure  consistency in Marine  Spatial  Planning across  the  South African ocean space.