Last month we launched monitoring surveys for the East and South Marine Plans, an opportunity for stakeholders to tell us what they think.
Marine Planning
How many activities can you think of that occur in our marine areas? Some examples that spring to mind may be fishing, shipping, or recreational activities like swimming, surfing or sailing. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) manage marine resources that are important to these activities and others through marine plans that will cover all of England’s seas by 2021.
The development of marine plans is a complex process and in 2014 we successfully adopted the East Inshore and East Offshore Marine Plans, which were followed by the adoption of the South Inshore and Offshore Marine Plan earlier this year. The plans apply in England’s East and South marine plan areas.
Why carry out surveys?
These annual surveys are an opportunity for you to tell us how you think the plans are performing. Marine plan policies cover a wide range of matters including access, marine aggregates, aquaculture, conservation, heritage, seascape, renewables, ports, shipping, tourism and recreation. We want to know from you how policies, and plans overall, are being used in the East and South marine plan areas.
Reporting to parliament on adopted plans every three years is a requirement as set out under section 61 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). Your views will be used to inform this reporting and our understanding of marine plans more widely.
Who can contribute?
We welcome feedback from anyone who has an interest in our coast and seas, particularly those with an interest in the East and South marine plan areas and those who have experience of using marine plans. Links to the East and South Marine Plan surveys can be found below:
Surveys close: Friday 25 January 2019
How long will it take?
Each survey should take approximately 15 minutes and you only need to complete the one that’s most relevant to you (East or South), though you’re welcome to complete both. Your time providing us with your thoughts on marine plans is very much appreciated and we value every response we receive.
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspects of the survey or marine planning, please contact the relevant Marine Planning Officers:
East
- Amy Balding: Amy.Balding@marinemanagement.org.uk, based at the MMO Beverley office
- Eleanor Johnston: Eleanor.Johnston@marinemanagement.org.uk , based at the MMO Lowestoft office
South
- Mathilda Evans: Mathilda.Evans@marinemanagement.org.uk, based at the MMO Shoreham office
- Abigail Haines: Abigail.Haines@marinemanagement.org.uk, based at the MMO Poole office
We look forward to hearing from you!