WEL Marine

Marine Planning

Welsh seas may appear quiet on the surface, but in fact there are numerous sectors and sea users utilising this space and our marine resources. Shipping, energy, recreation, ports and fisheries are active industries using Welsh seas, and beyond Welsh territorial waters, English, Irish and other sea users all share the Irish Sea for many different activities. Unlike on land, the way we have traditionally managed and regulated the marine environment has been done on a sector-by-sector basis, without a joined-up strategic approach. This history of uncoordinated decision making has resulted in limited progress towards sustainable development, and contributed to the continuing decline in the diversity of marine wildlife.

We need to improve the way we manage our seas as marine industries grow and the marine environment becomes busier. For the first time, the Marine Act enables Welsh Ministers to develop plans for Welsh seas, to strategically plan for their sustainable use, whilst minimising environmental impacts and conflicts between users and different interests. Marine planning offers a significant opportunity for Wales to positively reform marine management and will benefit both the health of the marine environment and marine industries.

Marine planning is an important activity for the Welsh Government. It is more than just zoning activities in different areas of the sea; it is a continuous process of planning and management using an ecosystem based approach that considers all marine activities together. Without spatial planning, it will be extremely difficult to achieve the vision for Welsh seas that should be sustainable, clean, healthy and resilient today and for future generations.

In spring 2011, the Welsh Government began consulting stakeholders on their approach to marine planning in Wales. Based upon this phase of public consultation, they will develop marine plans for Welsh waters by 2012. Stakeholder engagement is critical to this process. Through its membership of the Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership, WEL has been engaging in the journey towards establishing an effective marine planning framework in Wales and will continue to do so in the future.

A comprehensive policy briefing document on Marine Planning is available on the Resources page. WEL is calling for overarching national marine plans to be introduced by 2012 in Wales, and sub-national plans by 2015. These plans should cover all activities, and should enable sustainable development and resource use throughout Welsh territorial waters.

Case Study: Stories of the Severn Sea

The Severn Estuary is one of the largest estuaries in Britain and is shared between Wales and England. With over one million people living on its shores, the Severn is a global gateway for trading with a rich maritime cultural heritage. This unique estuary supports an extensive range of marine species, habitats and internationally important bird populations, as well as major industries and cities.

The daily tides of up to 14 m, one the highest tidal ranges in the world, provide glimpses into the Severn’s maritime past, with shipwrecks and archaeological remains repeatedly exposed. This evidence of trade and cross-channel interaction continues to this day, uniting communities from both sides of the estuary. Marine Plans for the Severn Estuary should allow space for different sea users, ensuring conflicts are avoided and resources are used sustainably. Marine Planning will be undertaken by the Welsh Government and England’s Marine Management Organisation. WEL believes that integrated marine management and planning, coordinated across national boundaries, is needed to manage our valuable marine areas and ensure a ‘joined up’ approach to managing our waters for the future.