The Nicholas Institute has partnered with the Meridian Institute to provide a forum to bring together leaders form ocean industries and conservation organizations to find common ground and potential obstacles to the possible implementation of coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) in the United States. The Nicholas Institute has used the Policy Lab process to increase understanding of CMSP, build relationships among ocean users and between ocean users and conservation organizations, increase the understanding of different perspectives and concerns about CMSP, and explore potential challenges and opportunities within the CMSP process. Beginning in July, 2009, the Nicholas and Meridian Institutes hosted a series of Policy Labs for representatives from ocean industries, including aquaculture, boating, commercial and recreational fishing, oil and gas, renewable energy, shipping, and undersea cables, and environmental conservation organizations. Participants heard from expert speakers on the basics of marine spatial planning and how it is being implemented in the United States and around the world, the ongoing Interagency Task Force work, and examples of spatial planning processes.