National Consultancy to Conduct Data Gap and Needs Assessments to Inform Marine Spatial Planning in Jamaica

This report assesses data availability, gaps, and needs for Marine Spatial Planning in Jamaica under the BE-CLME+ Project. It finds that existing spatial data is decentralized, outdated, nearshore-focused, and often locked in PDFs. Key gaps include fishing grounds, nursery/spawning areas, benthic habitats, mariculture sites, offshore renewable energy, and vessel tracking. The national NSPIT data platform remains non-operational, and there are no formal data-sharing protocols. Recommendations include using participatory mapping, adopting ESRI products and Marxan software, establishing a dedicated MSP team, completing the NSPIT platform, and building capacity in GIS and data management to advance Jamaica’s Blue Economy Roadmap.