North East In recent months, Kathleen had been focusing on developing the employment and heritage assets policies for the East Marine Plan. This has been a collaborative process, as we refine policies based on stakeholder feedback and insights from an …
The Marine Planning Team have published the ‘East Marine Plan development engagement summary report’ concluding this period of engagement. What does the report say? The report details stakeholder insights on drafted plan policies and spatial prescription opportunities for the East …
Many in the fishing industry are aware that EU IUU regulatory changes are on the horizon. But one crucial component of these changes requires more attention: processing statements. From 10 January 2026, far more businesses will need them than ever …
Our mission is to safeguard England’s marine environment while supporting a thriving and sustainable fishing industry. One way we can achieve this is through the implementation and enforcement of byelaws within our offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). Our MPA byelaws …
The UK seafood industry is no stranger to challenge. From regulatory, to environmental, economic, and market challenges, our fishers, merchants, processors and exporters have consistently shown their resilience and ability to adapt. As we prepare for another significant change - …
For those who work at sea, Harbour porpoises are a familiar sight around our coast. They have a wide diet, feeding mostly on fish, including sandeels, herring and whiting, as well as on squid and crustaceans. As predators they help …
In summer 2023 we engaged with the fishing industry on fisheries mapping carried out by the MMO Marine Planning Team. We’ve now incorporated stakeholder feedback through an update to the fisheries mapping work. Amongst some of the key points you …
We'd like to introduce some of the UK's less well known, but vitally important marine species which we’re aiming to protect within Stage 3 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In Stage 3 we're consulting on proposed fisheries management measures that would …
Every now and then solitary dolphins appear in coastal waters. The reasons why this happens can vary and are not always clear. What we do know is that they can captivate communities, display playful behaviour and become more interested in …
We have had another recent report of a non-native lobster (American lobster - Homarus americanus) brought up in a pot on the Sussex coast near Shoreham. This also follows previous sightings of Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Brighton. In …
Ellie and Mae, Coastal Planners for the South West Marine Plan areas have recently contributed to the marine planning section of the South West Marine Ecosystems (SWME) 2024 report, published in July. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of …