The Government has announced that it has adopted and published marine plans for the North East, North West, South East and South West regions.
Marine plans in the East and South had already been adopted in 2014 and 2018. The new plans mean that all England's seas are covered by a plan that addresses the key issues, including the:
They set out a vision, objectives and detailed policies on how these will be achieved. The plans form a guide for developers, planning authorities and other decision-makers, in making sure their activities happen in a sustainable and co-ordinated way.
The new plans were produced by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the environment secretary, and have been published after four years of engagement and policy development with:
MMO's chief executive officer Tom McCormack said: "Having marine plans in place to guide how we manage our seas is a massive step forward in this marine super year. Providing one comprehensive view of existing evidence, research and policy about the coasts, estuaries and tidal waters around England’s seas, marine plans are now the most essential tool in the box for those making the decisions about how we use – and protect – our seas for the future".
"The plans provide the vital framework for us all to work together to achieve a balance between sustainable use of our seas and protecting our precious marine environment".
Environment minister Rebecca Pow commented: "For the first time, England has a complete and integrated marine planning framework to manage how we use, develop, protect and enhance our marine environment, ensuring sustainable development in our seas".
