Government sets out new "seas" policy

Three documents have been published this that will set out the policy objectives for UK governments in managing the UK seas, introducing marine planning and streamlining licensing.

All three help to fulfill the coalition government’s commitment to deliver the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

The new planning and licensing systems will help the management of marine activities, such as providing energy, which contribute around £47 billion to the UK economy; ensure on-going environmental protection of our seas; and give coastal communities a voice in the future uses of their marine environment.

Marine Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, said “Our seas are some of the most diverse in the world, providing us with food, energy and a home to over 8000 species. These new ways of managing our seas will help protect the marine environment, while allowing us to make the best use of the resources it offers, like renewable energy. It will also enable businesses that rely on the seas, such as leisure and tourism, to grow.”

The consultation on marine licensing is designed to create a more effective, streamlined and transparent system, which would start in April 2011. Together with marine planning, the new licensing system will provide a clearer, more straightforward way for developers to take forward their marine projects in a sustainable way while protecting the environment, human health and other users of the sea.