The first comprehensive set of Marine Plans to guide development across England’s seas have been adopted and published. The publication of the North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans follows the adoption of the East Marine Plan in 2014 and the South Marine Plan in 2018.
This means all of England’s seas – an area of approximately 230,000 square kilometres – a third larger than the total land area of England – are now covered by Marine Plans.
Adoption of Marine Plans
MMO will now have one comprehensive view of evidence, research and policy
The development of Marine Plans has been a significant activity, based on evidence and consultation with hundreds of organisations around the country, including many of Marine Management Organisation - MMO’s stakeholders. So, the organisation thanks everyone involved for their interest, engagement, and support in reaching this milestone.
Having Marine Plans in place, in order to guide how the seas are managed, is a massive step forward in this marine super year. MMO will now have one comprehensive view of evidence, research and policy, about the coasts, estuaries, and tidal waters around England’s seas.
Vital framework for sustainable use of the seas
The Marine Plans will provide the vital framework for sustainable use of the seas and act as the most essential tool in the box for those making the decisions, about how to use and protect the seas for the future.
Further information on this announcement can be found on the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) press release page, which is published online. Interested individuals can also view all of the Plans on Explore Marine Plans, which displays the marine policy documents for all of England’s marine plan areas, in an accessible online, quick reference format.
