The UK Marine
Policy Statement has been jointly published today by all UK
Administrations as part of a new system of marine planning being
introduced across UK seas.
Adopted by the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh
Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, the Marine
Policy Statement will help achieve the shared UK vision for
“clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans
and seas”.
The Marine Policy Statement will enable an appropriate and
consistent approach to marine planning across UK waters, and
ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and strategic
management of marine activities from renewable energy to nature
conservation, fishing, recreation and tourism.
Richard Benyon, Minister for Natural Environment and
Fisheries, said:
“The UK is leading the way worldwide in efforts to plan, protect
and sustainably manage our marine environment and resources now
and for future generations.
“We should plan and protect our seas as a valuable national asset
as we do with our countryside. The Marine Policy Statement,
jointly developed and adopted by all the UK Administrations, is a
major milestone in ensuring an appropriate and consistent, UK-wide
approach to managing our marine resources.
“The marine planning systems will allow us to strategically, and
holistically manage our seas; integrating economic, social and
environmental considerations, and engaging with communities to
determine and shape the future.”
Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the
Environment, Richard Lochhead said:
“This Policy Statement takes forward and embodies the positive
co-operative approach to marine planning and management which is a
hallmark of recent Scottish and UK marine legislation.
"We recognise the need for consistency where necessary
in the dynamic marine environment. This Statement now forms the
basis for joint working to develop a national marine plan for all
of Scottish waters out to 200 nautical miles which will be
relevant to all activity, including reserved activity.”
Welsh Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane
Davidson, said:
“I am delighted that all four UK administrations have worked so
positively together to agree and adopt this UK wide Statement. We
in Wales are now looking forward to preparing our first national
marine plans over the next two years. These plans will build on
the framework provided by the Marine Policy Statement to reflect
the specific needs and interests of Wales”.
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said:
“Our seas are a precious resource; they are a way of life for
many people. They provide important shipping lanes, unprecedented
opportunities for the development of renewable energy and can
accommodate the growth of leisure and recreational activities. All
those elements can help to bolster our economy. They provide a
livelihood for fishing communities and are home to rare and
important marine life.
“This Marine Policy Statement paves the way for a completely new
and strategic system of planning for our seas. Marine planning
will help us to be proactive about the way in which we use and
protect our marine resources.”
Notes to editors
The UK Marine Policy Statement can be viewed at:
http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/
The UK Marine Policy Statement was revised following formal
consultation between July–October 2010. Alongside the UK Marine
Policy Statement published today are slightly revised versions of
the Appraisal of Sustainability report; Impact Assessment,
Habitats Regulations Assessment and an Equalities Impact
Assessment Screening report. We have also published a Post
Adoption Statement and a document summarising the differences
between the draft consultation version of the UK Marine Policy
Statement and the final adopted MPS. These documents can be found
here http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/
All public authorities taking authorisation or enforcement
decisions that affect or might affect the UK marine area must do
so in accordance with the UK Marine Policy Statement unless
relevant considerations indicate otherwise. The Marine Policy
Statement will also guide the development of Marine Plans across
the UK.
In England marine planning is being administered by the Marine
Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO will begin planning in the
Eastern areas of England in April. Details on the Marine
Management Organisation can be found at:
http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/
The UK Marine Policy Statement draws from the UK High Level
Marine Objectives which can be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/documents/ourseas-2009update.pdf
In Wales, marine planning is being taken forward by the Welsh
Assembly Government. For further information, including the
consultation ‘Sustainable Development for Welsh seas: Our Approach
to Marine Planning in Wales’, please visit:
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/consmanagement/marinefisheries/?lang=en
In Scotland, a pre-consultation version of a national marine
plan has been issued for comment:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/national
In Northern Ireland, the Department of the Environment is
bringing forward a Northern Ireland Marine Bill, which will enable
the Department to carry out marine planning in the Northern
Ireland inshore region, in addition to carrying out marine
planning in the offshore region (under the Marine &
Coastal Access Act). Further information is available at:
www.doeni.gov.uk/marine_planning
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Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Martin Deller
Phone: 020 7238 5334
martin.deller@defra.gsi.gov.uk