The UK Government has officially published four new marine plans—North East, North West, South East, and South West—following earlier adoptions of the East Marine Plan (2014) and South Marine Plan (2018). This comprehensive planning framework now covers all of England’s seas, an area exceeding 230,000 square kilometres, significantly larger than England’s total land area. The creation of these plans aims to manage the use, development, protection, and enhancement of the marine environment, providing guidance for developers, planning authorities, and decision-makers to ensure sustainable and coordinated activities.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) developed these plans in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, wildlife charities, local authorities, and community representatives, over a span of four years. The result is an integrated framework that consolidates existing policies and accounts for various elements in local marine areas, from archaeological sites to current uses like fishing and dredging.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow highlighted the milestone achieved with these comprehensive marine plans, stating their alignment with the 25 Year Environment Plan’s goals to create healthy, biologically diverse seas. MMO’s Chief Executive, Tom McCormack, emphasized that these plans provide a crucial tool for managing England’s marine environments, presenting a unified view of relevant evidence and policies. He pointed out that these plans will help balance the sustainable use of marine resources while protecting ecosystems.
Trudi Wakelin, the MMO’s Director, noted that the adoption of these plans is a transformative step in marine management. The planning includes a vision, objectives, and detailed policies tailored to various maritime issues, like coastal developments and their impact on estuaries and tidal waters. Each marine plan extends over a 20-year horizon, with ongoing adjustments based on new research and developments. The MMO commits to monitoring and reporting on the plans’ effectiveness every three years to ensure continuous improvement.
The Explore Marine Plans digital service offers an interactive online resource for access to marine planning policies, supporting evidence, and detailed maps of the various English marine plan areas. With marine planning now fully realized for England, stakeholders will have the tools and frameworks needed to navigate the complexities of marine development while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In summary, the establishment of these four marine plans represents a significant advancement in the UK’s approach to marine management, facilitating a more coordinated and sustainable utilization of marine resources, protecting vital ecosystems, and setting a precedent for holistic environmental stewardship.
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