The MSP approach works across sectors to ensure human activities at sea take place in an efficient, safe and sustainable way, according to ecosystem-based management principles. This approach aims to support a sustainable, long-term responsible economic development, and may therefore be considered as a life insurance policy in what regards the conservation of the marine and coastal ecosystems and resources. The MSP legal framework has been in place in Portugal since 2014 and the plans are being developed since then, while baseline data is collected for all relevant activities in the maritime environment, including renewable energy, aquaculture, fisheries and other uses.