Photo of the Houses of Parliament by R Spegel
A cross-party committee of UK MPs has called for a comprehensive reform of the nation’s marine governance system to better involve coastal communities in decisions affecting their local marine environments. The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) released a report on 5th June, 2025, recommending the establishment of a national framework for stakeholder participation by January 2026.
The report highlights concerns that current marine governance structures are overly technocratic and lack meaningful public engagement, particularly from underrepresented coastal communities. Dr. Pamela Buchan, a researcher from the University of Exeter, contributed evidence to the committee, emphasising the need for early and inclusive involvement in marine planning processes. She noted that, despite legal obligations under international agreements such as the Aarhus Convention and UN Human Rights Council Resolution 48/13, public participation remains limited, leading to a sense of disempowerment among local populations.
The EAC’s report also points to the fragmented nature of the UK’s marine governance, where national, regional, and sector-specific plans often fail to align, resulting in overlapping priorities and inconsistent decision-making. This disjointed approach hinders effective management of marine resources and undermines the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
The committee’s recommendations aim to create a more integrated and participatory framework, ensuring that coastal communities have a stronger voice in shaping policies related to marine protected areas, offshore wind developments, and other maritime activities. The Committee’s key recommendations include:
- A comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework by January 2026
- Clear leadership to coordinate public engagement across marine governance
- Investment in capacity and expertise to support inclusive participation
- Greater transparency around the impacts of marine decisions on coastal communities
As the government considers these proposals, the EAC urges swift action to implement the recommended reforms, emphasising the importance of timely and meaningful public participation in safeguarding the future of the UK’s marine environments.