MMO Launches England’s First Marine Plans

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today launched England’s first draft marine plans for the seas from Flamborough Head in the north to Felixstowe in the south.

The public consultation was announced this morning to Parliament in a written ministerial statement from Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon. These are the first two of 11 marine plans to be delivered for England, which is one of the first countries in the world to plan across all marine activities, including offshore renewables.

The UK marine economy is currently worth more than £47 billion annually, and has the potential to increase significantly. English seas also matter to people and wildlife. Marine plans will inform and guide marine users and regulators, managing the sustainable development of marine industries taking account of local communities and the need to protect leisure uses and the environment.

It is hoped that the reduced costs and increased certainty provided by marine planning will create greater development opportunities leading to increased economic and employment benefits for coastal communities.

Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: “We are doing more than ever to protect our marine environment.

“Effective marine planning is a crucial part of this, and provides benefits for people, industry and wildlife. I would encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation.”

Paul Gilliland, the MMO’s Head of Marine Planning, added: “Marine plans will be of interest to anyone who enjoys our coastline and seas, or relies on our marine area to make a living. We want to hear from as many people as possible – from those living on the coast to major developers – and will be holding a series of public drop-in sessions during July and August.

“Our seas are facing unprecedented and competing demands, so this is an ideal time for marine planning to begin in these areas, to help meet that challenge in a way that provides for people, industry and wildlife.”

The MMO is accountable to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Owen Paterson, who will approve each plan for consultation and adoption.

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Press release, July 16, 2013; Image: DOW