The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) have launched an investigation into Defra in relation to a suspected failure to take the necessary measures to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine waters by the statutory deadline.

Under the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, the statutory deadline for GES to be achieved was 31 December 2020. The OEP believes that the available evidence indicates that this key target was not met.

Helen Venn, the OEP’s Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “Most recently, the deadline for an updated report on the UK Marine Strategy passed on 20 December 2024, with no update appearing.

“Therefore, Defra has not yet set out its formal assessment confirming whether or not the 2020 deadline has been missed. If this deadline was missed, we have seen no clear plan to ensure that GES is achieved as soon as possible.

“Our investigation seeks to ensure accountability for the suspected failure to take the necessary measures to achieve GES of marine waters by 31 December 2020, and if that failure has occurred, ensure that it is addressed as soon as possible through the introduction and implementation of an evidenced, resourced and timebound delivery plan.”

The investigation is being carried out under s.33(2) Environment Act 2021 into the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, regarding their suspected failure to take the necessary measures to achieve or maintain good environmental status of marine waters within the marine strategy area by 31 December 2020 under regulation 4(1) of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010.