England’s first draft marine plans for the seas from Flamborough Head in the north to Felixstowe in the south have been launched by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The public consultation was announced this morning to Parliament. These are the first two of 11 marine plans to be delivered for England, and makes England one of the first countries in the world to plan across all marine activities.
The UK marine economy is currently worth more than £47 billion annually, and has the potential to increase significantly. The MMO says that 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.”
The MMO is offering an online consultation tool and is also holding nine drop-in sessions to ensure as many people as possible know about the draft plans and have their say.
