Marine planning
There are two stages to the marine planning system: the Marine Policy Statement (MPS) and marine planning.
A. Marine Policy Statement (MPS)
The Marine Policy Statement is the first step towards a new system of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed, as well as set the direction for marine licensing and other authorisation systems.
Next steps
- Formal consultation on the UK Marine Policy Statement and the new Marine Planning system for England ran from 21 July 2010 to 13 October 2010.
- A summary of responses has been published by Defra.
- The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations aim to adopt the Marine Policy Statement in Spring 2011.
B. Marine Planning
The second stage will introduce regional marine plans that will decide what, how and when marine activities can take place in UK waters. The marine plans will be developed in accordance with the Marine Policy Statement.
Welsh Assembly - Marine planning
Next steps
- There has been a consultation on proposed marine plan areas in English inshore and offshore marine regions. This closed on 16 February 2010.
- Marine Planning system newsletter. Issue 2. March 2010
- Draft guidance on how the regional marine plans will be produced in England is now under consultation. Work on the first plans is due to start in April 2011.
- The Welsh Assembly government was due to consult on its marine spatial plan at the end of 2010.
For further information contact:
Mark Gray
Environmental Assessment Support Officer
t: 01248 605038
e: m_gray@seafish.co.uk