Marine planning and aquaculture Stacey Clarke
Contents Background to marine planning Implementation of plans and tools Aquaculture in English marine plans Aquaculture in other plans Summary
The Marine Management Organisation who we are Created by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 Almost 300 people We combine our Newcastle upon Tyne and London operations with a local presence around the English coastline. Established in 2010 to promote the UK vision for clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas
Legislative basis for marine planning and plans MCAA Marine and Coastal Access Act provides legislative basis for a marine planning system MPS Marine Policy Statement (SoS) is the framework for marine plans and taking decisions Marine Plans Effect Marine Plans (MMO) will translate the MPS into detailed policy and spatial guidance for each Marine Plan area to guide and direct decision-making Public authorities (not just the MMO) must take account of the plans (in various ways, with exceptions) when making decisions (MACAA s58)
Planning Progress East Implement, monitor and review Plan area selection decision SPP and stakeholder engagement Plan adopted and published Identifying issues Independent investigation EVIDENCE Gathering evidence Review plan proposals Vision and objectives + HRA, Impact Assessment Public Consultation on draft plan Plan policy development Options development South
Marine plan areas East Marine Plan complete Signed off April 2014 South marine plan in progress Plans used to help determine decision making by relevant authorities All marine plans by 2021 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/syst em/uploads/attachment_data/file/325688/ma rine_plan_areas.pdf
The East plans Context to the East plan process: MMO was a new organisation developing a new planning process Not terrestrial planning but learning lessons from that process Drivers for East plans Climate change Carbon reduction - OWF Energy security/dependency Aggregate extraction
Implementation and tools to help
Application of marine plans (MCAA S.58) Principally through decisions made by public authorities Authorisation or enforcement decisions must be in accordance with the marine plans (and the MPS) unless relevant considerations indicate otherwise (S.58(1)) Decisions not taken in accordance with the marine plans, the public authority must state its reasons (S.58(2)) have regard to Includes decisions other than authorisation or enforcement which might affect the marine area (S.58(3)) Exception: decisions on NSIPs under the Planning Act 2008 which have to consider marine plans (S.58(4))
Implementation and monitoring plan (IMP) Published on 27 th June 2014 Sets out the approach to plan implementation and monitoring approach being adopted by the MMO Primarily aimed at decisionmakers responsible for authorisation and enforcement decisions
Implementation for applicants It is within the remit of each decision maker how best to advise their applicants, however it may be beneficial to consider: While marine plans are new, in theory use and application the same as land-based plans Consideration of marine plan policies at the pre-application stage The need for consideration of the plans as a whole, as it is likely that several plan policies will be pertinent to any proposal Incorporation of marine plan policy assessment using existing assessments currently completed by applicants - one example of this is the supporting assessments and evidence provided for relevant applications under The Marine Works Regulations 2007 (as amended)
Marine Information System MIS To be used alongside the statutory marine plan document An interactive tool which allows you to pick your own area of interest from climate change to tourism and recreation and see the plan policies that affect you You can also search geographically within your area of interest We also hope MIS will act as a quick reference for decision makers, such as local authorities, to see what policies they should consider when proposing/regulating developments or other activities in or near our seas http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/marineplanning/mis/i ndex.htm
Planning portal http://planningportal.marinemanagement.org.uk/#
Aquaculture in marine plans
Aquaculture in the marine plans Section 3.17 in east plan Alongside east plan research project on potential sites for future aquaculture (MMO1040)
Aquaculture data in marine plans
Aquaculture in the marine plans South plans three potential DRAFT policies specific to aquaculture plus more general proposed water quality policies Proposals within areas of existing or potential aquaculture production must demonstrate consideration of and compatibility with aquaculture. Particular consideration must be paid to impacts on water quality and the wider environment that is required for the species to grow. Where compatibility is not possible, proposals will: a) demonstrate how they could avoid the area identified for aquaculture b) if they can't avoid, how they can minimise their impacts on aquaculture growth c) if not, mitigate their impacts d) if mitigation is not practical they should state the case for proceeding
Aquaculture in the marine plans South plans second and third draft policy has aquaculture and capture fisheries in one policy, although not saying only these two can co-locate looking across industries generally Proposals that enable or allow the co-utilisation, redistribution or diversification of infrastructure for industries reliant on fisheries and aquaculture will be encouraged Proposals that adversely impact fisheries and aquaculture access to, or cause displacement from areas of fishing or aquaculture activity must not be supported unless they can demonstrate: a) how they can minimise their adverse impacts b) How, if adverse impacts cannot be minimised they will be mitigated
Aquaculture data in marine plans
Aquaculture data in marine plans
Aquaculture in other plans Marine Policy statement:
Aquaculture in other plans Multi annual national plan The East Inshore Marine Plan Area has the potential to make a significant contribution to the growth of aquaculture in English waters given the large estuaries and sheltered sites. Scottish marine plan 7 specific objectives in marine plan and 14 policies. Has specific tonnage targets for industry and spatial restrictions. Welsh Marine and Fisheries Action Plan - The Welsh Government is committed to helping support the sustainable growth of aquaculture and has ambitious plans to double Wales annual finfish aquaculture output, from 1000 tonnes to 2000 tonnes by 2020, and shellfish aquaculture production from 8000 tonnes to 16000 tonnes. Northern Ireland - Shellfish Aquaculture Management Plan and SMILE project - To evaluate sustainable carrying capacities for aquaculture
Summary There is a greater recognition of the sector across governments nationally Spatial data on sector increasing which helps governments and other bodies build up a picture of current situation and how sector could develop English marine plans looking at protecting space, water quality and future potential for aquaculture MMO liaise with industry representation, other statutory bodies, and welcome involvement in developing marine plans from people in this room
Contacts Aquaculture lead for marine plans: Stacey Clarke stacey.clarke@marinemanagement.org.uk 07766214855 Marine planning head office: planning@marinemanagemnt.org.uk