| SPOTLIGHT |
A marine planning system and a network of marine conservation zones will be set up after the Marine and Coastal Access Bill received Royal Assent earlier this month.
The Act is intended to deliver a joined-up approach to conservation and the protection of rare and threatened species and habitats.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has already launched four regional projects, where local groups and businesses are involved in identifying the areas that should be designated as a marine conservation zone.
A new public body, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), will be established to handle consenting and licensing, dealing with developers whose projects impact on the seas. It will also have enforcement powers.
The MMO, which will be based in Newcastle, is expected to work particularly closely with local authorities and the Infrastructure Planning Commission in relation to nationally significant projects such as offshore renewable energy projects and port developments.
Under the Act, local laws can be drawn up to protect the marine conservation zones from human activity.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “The new marine planning system will ensure we make space in our seas for all its users and protect our underwater wildlife so that it will flourish in the years to come.”
DEFRA said the government had agreed a UK-wide approach to marine planning with the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with more functions executively devolved to Scottish and Welsh Ministers and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland.
Although the Marine and Coastal Access Act covers England’s inshore waters and off shore waters around the UK, many of its provisions also apply to Wales. The Scottish government and Northern Ireland Executive are planning to introduce similar legislation.
