Marine habitat restoration is essential if we are to reverse biodiversity loss and build resilience to climate change.
Across England, important habitats such as seagrass meadows, saltmarsh and native oyster reefs have declined significantly. Restoring them is vital for improving the health of our seas and coastal environment.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has an important role in supporting restoration projects, while continuing to protect the marine environment. We know that regulation can sometimes feel complex, and we are working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to identify where improvements can be made.
Listening to restoration practitioners
In 2025, we asked restoration practitioners for feedback through a questionnaire promoted at the ReMeMaRe conference.
The responses provided valuable insight into the challenges applicants face when navigating the marine licensing process. They also highlighted practical improvements that could make it easier to deliver restoration projects.
This feedback builds on responses received through Defra’s consultation on marine licensing reform.
Improving guidance and support
One of the clearest messages from practitioners is that the marine licencing process can be difficult to navigate.
Applicants told us that they can find it challenging to:
- Understand when a marine licence is required.
- Identify which activities need consent.
- Determine whether a project falls within MMO jurisdiction.
- Understand which environmental impacts need to be assessed.
Through the Marine Planning and Licensing Programme (MPLP), we are improving our guidance and digital service to help applicants find the information they need more easily.
‘Get permission for marine work’ can help you navigate through the process of applying for a marine licence.
Where applicants are unsure about project requirements, we encourage early engagement through our paid Pre-Application Advice Service.
The value of early engagement
Restoration practitioners also highlighted concerns about the time and cost involved in applying for marine licences.
In many cases, delays occur because important information is missing from an application or because issues arise during consultation that require further work.
Engaging early with the MMO can help applicants:
- Understand the information required for their application.
- Identify potential risks and issues at an early stage.
- Improve the quality of their application.
- Plan project budgets more accurately.
Although the Pre-Application Advice Service is chargeable, early discussions can help reduce uncertainty and avoid delays later in the process.
Tips for restoration projects
There are several ways applicants can improve the efficiency of the licensing process.
Engage early with advisers
Speak to key organisations, such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and Historic England, during the pre-application stage. Their advice can help shape project design and reduce the likelihood of issues being raised later.
Consider future project development
When planning restoration projects, consider whether activities may expand in future.
Applying for the full anticipated scope of a project, where appropriate, can reduce the need for licence variations later.
Take a strategic approach
If your organisation is planning multiple restoration activities within the same area over several years, it may be worth considering a single application that covers the wider programme of work. Although this can increase application complexity, it may reduce overall licensing costs and administrative effort.
What happens next?
This work is only the beginning.
We are continuing to work with Defra to review feedback from restoration practitioners and identify opportunities to improve the licensing experience wherever practical.
Missed us at ReMeMaRe 2026? Here's your chance to shape what comes next. We've launched a new questionnaire to find out how we can improve. Your input will directly inform our next steps, so please take a few minutes to share your views before the survey closes at the end of September 2026.
By listening to feedback and acting where we can, we aim to create a more transparent, consistent and effective marine licensing system that supports habitat restoration and helps nature recover in our seas and coastal environments.
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