The MaPP initiative was founded on an ecosystem-based framework and used the best available science and local and traditional knowledge to develop its marine plans. A Science Advisory Committee provided expert technical and scientific advice and knowledge during plan development. In addition to employing a number of other planning tools, the MaPP planning teams and marine advisory committee members used the Marine Planning Portal to visualize different data layers and learn more about the MaPP study area.

During implementation of the marine plans, the Marine Plan Portal will be used to support the development of tools such as EBM indicators, a cumulative effects assessment framework, a protection management zone atlas, and geographic response plans.