Since 2013 various proposals have been mooted to create the first ‘Marine Park’ in the Plymouth area with Martin Attrill leading this thinking. In June a conference was organised by the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) – the UK-based marine conservation charity to develop this idea. A useful report of a meeting held in June has just been published and highlighted many of the benefits and ideas. Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, is currently considering expanding the network of national parks and there is a major review underway; campaigners are pressing for the idea to be extended to the marine environment.