Marine scheme consultations kick off

THE next phase of the UK’s marine planning programme will begin on 11 April, with the launch of public consultation and a series of events across the country, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to FishnewsEU.

The latest batch of marine plans – which will cover the north east, north west, south east and south west of England – will guide what happens in the marine area, making sure activities take place at the right time and in the right place, enabling sustainable growth.

Building on the work and knowledge of the East Marine Plans and the draft South Marine Plan, this next phase will complete the network of marine plans, ensuring that all marine areas are covered by a plan by 2021. As part of this, we are holding a number of events in the north east, south east, south west and north west of England.

The events, which are open to anyone with an interest in the marine area, are an introduction to marine planning, providing the opportunity to meet your local marine planner and to find out more about what marine planning will mean for your area and how you can get involved. There will also be demonstrations of the online Marine Information System and evidence base, where you can see some of the information and evidence the MMO has already gathered for the areas.

The MMO is also launching public consultation on the Statement of Public Participation and the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for this next phase of marine plans.