Peter Barham ‘There is increasing recognition of the need for greater action to restore the marine environment in the face of a continued decline in marine biodiversity.

Net Gain has been identified as a potential development approach that can contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by leaving the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Developments that adopt Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) aim to have a positive impact by delivering an overall increase in biodiversity.

Implementing BNG in the marine environment is recognised as being particularly challenging, due to its dynamic nature and the complex interactions between diverse marine users. It is therefore important to establish clear objectives and targets for Marine Net Gain (MNG) that provide a focus for developer-led action.

The Strategic Net Gain Task and Finish Group (T&F Group) was established as part of the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme (OWEC). The T&F Group aimed to identify a set of strategic targets for the delivery of MNG. An initial gap analysis of existing legal and policy objectives and targets informed discussion around possible priorities for MNG and views of marine stakeholders were obtained via two online surveys.

The outcome of the project is a robust set of recommended strategic targets for MNG, which have strong consensus and agreement from industry, regulators and conservation bodies. The targets set a clear direction for how developers could contribute towards MNG to restore and improve the marine environment. The aim of the T&F Group is for these targets to inform Defra’s ongoing work through the Offshore Wind Enabling Actions (OWEAP) Programme to develop policy for MNG and its implementation.’

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If you would like any more information on this project please contact Peter Barham peterjbarham@gmail.com
www.sudg.org.uk