Just published in Marine Policy, a paper making the case for how marine parks can enhance coastal cities. The idea is not to further regulate or conserve the marine environment but to recognize an ocean and coastal space for its special importance for city community health, well-being, and heritage. The aim of a ‘City Marine Park’ is to encourage greater prosperity for the region and get people enjoying the coast and sea, with the hope this engagement will encourage a better understanding, appreciation, and care for the marine environment. The paper argues that it can also build pride in the local marine environment and the adjacent community, and, hopefully, increase sustainability and well-being for local citizens. All this is coming to the fore with the idea of creating the UKs first National Marine Park in Plymouth.
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