This is a key point. The idea of an integrated framework for managing our seas has been a long time in the making. From early discussions around ICZM in the late 1980s which sought to put all developments in a spatial context, then in the 2000’s when marine spatial planning as an idea really took off and it then became a key part of the Marine & Coastal Access Act (2009). Since then the MMO staff have done the hard work in getting the plans in place – they deserve huge credit for getting the job completed. There is no doubt, as exemplified by the projected increase in offshore wind, that the ‘spatial’ component of these plans will need revisiting. Time will tell if they deliver the goods. Bob Earll
Adoption of Marine Plans marks big step forward for England’s seas
MMO & Defra: ‘Milestone for England’s seas as the North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans are adopted, completing a full suite of plans covering all English waters. The Government has adopted and published the North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans. The publication of these four marine plans follows the adoption of the East Marine Plan in 2014 and the South Marine Plan in 2018. This means all England’s seas – an area of approximately 230,000 square kilometres – a third larger than the total land area of England – are covered by Marine Plans.
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. Marine Plans will guide developers, planning authorities and other decision-makers so that their activities happen in a sustainable and coordinated way.
The four latest Plans, produced by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, are the culmination of four years of engagement and policy development with businesses, wildlife and maritime charities, local authorities, representative organisations and individuals across communities around England’s coasts.
The Marine Plan documents can be found at the following locations:
The full suite of Plans are covered in the MMO’s digital system, Explore Marine Plans, which takes into account everything that exists in the local area, from wrecks and items of archaeological interest to marine wildlife, from existing uses such as cables to dredging or fishing, and applies the existing policies.
Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow said:
The completion of a comprehensive set of Marine Plans to cover all of England’s waters is a significant milestone in our ambition to create healthy and biologically diverse seas and oceans, achieving one of the key commitments of the 25 Year Environment Plan.
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.
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.’
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