Watch new marine management plan for the Isle of Wight and south coast


A new government plan for the marine environment aims to manage what activities take place in the marine environment, and how it is protected and developed for the next 20 years.

The government’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have spent five years putting the new South Marine Plan framework together.

The plan will guide and inform a number of agencies and regulators who already manage our marine areas, and attempt to help business use the economic benefits available whilst ensuring the marine environment remains protected.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:“The South Marine Plan is a significant milestone in our ambition to create healthy and biologically diverse seas and oceans, as outlined in our 25 Year Environment Plan.

“Stretching from Kent to Devon, this is one of the most complex areas of the English coast and this plan will allow us to safeguard our sea life while supporting a more sustainable marine economy.”

John Tuckett, Chief Executive Officer at the Marine Management Organisation, said: “This is a significant milestone for one of the most complex and used areas of the English coastline.

“The South Marine Plan will help ensure that when activities take place, they happen in the best location and in the right way within the marine environment. We are now working closely with decision makers and stakeholders along the coast to ensure that the plan is understood and used effectively.”

By 2021 all English marine areas will have marine plans in place. The South Marine Plan is the second to be adopted following the introduction of the first English marine plan established in the East of England in 2014.

Visit the MMO Website for more information here.

Have you got an opinion on the South Marine Plan? Let us know your views at newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or call us on 01983 216 111