The advent of marine spatial planning in the United Kingdom (UK) is taking place on a foundation of extensive and long-standing management practice, largely sectorally based, in one of the most intensively used sea areas in the world. The spatial development context of planning offshore and at the coast is considered, followed by a discussion of the fundamental nature of human activities and associated marine space, followed by a discussion of the implications for current and future planning, with a primary focus on the use of spatial allocation in shipping and port activity, military uses, mineral and energy exploitation, fisheries and fish farming, waste disposal, leisure industries and conservation. Due account is taken of regional developments. Finally, there is an evaluation of the major management issues arising from recently enacted marine legislation in the UK and Scotland. Account is also taken of related European Union and devolved administrations’ roles, and overall implications for the development and management of the coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]