First marine plans out to consultation

The public consultation was announced Tuesday 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, making it 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. 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 Patterson, who will approve each plan for consultation and adoption.

The views of all those with an interest in the East marine areas are vital to the plan making process. As well as offering an online consultation tool, MMO are holding nine drop-in sessions along the East coast to ensure as many people as possible know about the draft plans and have their say.

The consultation started on Tuesday and will run for 12 weeks, until 8 October. Interested parties can submit your comments online and read the plans.