We’ve recently published a number of evidence projects that support marine planning and policy development that explore local decision-making, opportunities for co-existence, and socio-economic trends.
The project has developed a method for identify smaller spatial scales for a potential local marine plan pilot. This approach draws on a range of data, and information on stakeholder engagement, as well as existing plans and strategies. The method was applied to the north west marine plan area, resulting in maps that highlight potential areas for piloting a local marine plan. Following this work, we are currently testing the proposed areas in the North West with stakeholders to gather feedback. In parallel, the approach is being applied to the south west marine plan area and tested with local stakeholders there. This work has been delivered in partnership with Natural England and the Coastal Partnership Network.
Understanding and exploring co-existence opportunities and displacement issues – MMO1338
The report updates an older co-location matrix (published as MMO1010). MMO1338 tests the latest thinking on co-existence opportunities and challenges to inform future marine plan development. The project also delivers five case studies designed to explore in detail some of the likely opportunities and challenges within the marine space, using a PESTLE methodology.
The updated matrix and associated case studies are a much-needed addition to our evidence base required to deliver the new East Marine Plan, providing a useful tool for stakeholders and decision-makers to assess the feasibility and impacts of co-location, co-existence, and co-operation between marine activities.
Socio-economic Baseline for the east marine plan areas - MMO1381
The project describes the social and economic drivers for the east marine plan areas over the next 20 years and analyses people’s perceptions of the marine environment and how coastal communities benefit from it. It was produced to inform the next iteration of the East Marine Plan which is currently in development. It also assesses current approaches to monitoring how changes in the socio-economic baseline could be attributed to the East Marine Plan itself, identifies critical gaps and uncertainties in the available socio-economic baseline data and provides recommendations to address them.
East Marine Plan Futures Analysis (MMO1370)
The project provides a forward-looking assessment of socio-economic factors and anticipated sectoral trends across the east marine plan areas. Using a PESTLE analysis framework, and taking the original 2014 report as a baseline, the study reviews current levels of activity across all sectors identified in the Marine Policy Statement and explores how these may evolve under a range of future scenarios.
The analysis highlights significant growth in offshore renewables, alongside emerging technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen production, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in the marine environment. The report also considers the impacts of climate change and future competition for space between industrial sectors. Together, this work strengthens the evidence base for the next iteration of the East Marine Plans, ensuring future policy development is informed by robust data and a clear understanding of the changing socio-economic landscape.
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