Setting the stage for marine spatial planning: Ecological and social data collation and analyses in Canada's Pacific waters

► Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a growing global phenomenon. ► MSP requires both ecological and human use data. ► An example of collation and analyses of ecological and human use datasets is provided. ► Ecological and human use experts and stakeholders were involved in the project. ► The analyses help to visualise overlap amongst users and between human uses and biodiversity hotspots.