Governing the marine environment

Environmental Audit Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 16 Dec 2024 Parliament page
The Environmental Audit Committee is undertaking an inquiry on governing the marine environment, which will focus on the UK's environmental obligations under marine treaties and how the UK is delivering on them, as well as the Government's strategy for marine planning and protection in its domestic waters. Read the call … Read more
18 Recommendations
10 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
6 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 16 events
16 Oct
2025
Correspondence
9 Sep
2025
Report published
9 Sep
2025
Correspondence
26 Jun
2025
Correspondence
6 Jun
2025
Correspondence
5 Jun
2025
Report published
2 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
2 Apr
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
6 Mar
2025
Correspondence
5 Mar
2025
Oral evidence
5 Mar
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
12 Feb
2025
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
2 Apr 2025
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Emma Hardy MP · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Helen Mulvein OBE · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Michelle Willis · Marine Management Organisation Mike Rowe · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Olivia Thomas · The Crown Estate Ronan O’Hara · Crown Estate Scotland The Rt Hon. the Baroness Chapman of Darlington · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
5 Mar 2025
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andrew Bell · UNESCO Biosphere, North Devon Benj Sykes · Ørsted UK Jacques Villemot · Rewilding Britain Mark Russell · The Children’s Society Mark Simmonds · The British Ports Association Mike Cohen · National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO)
29 Jan 2025
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Dr Gemma Harper OBE · Joint Nature Conservation Committee Gareth Cunningham · Marine Conservation Society Jennifer Godwin · Seabed User and Developer Group Professor Heather Koldewey · Zoological Society of London Professor Melanie Austen · University of Plymouth
8 Jan 2025
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Alan Evans · National Oceanography Centre David Tomaney · UK Hydrographic Office Dr Michaela Schratzberger · Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice · Queen Mary University of London Professor Philippa Webb · University of Oxford Professor Richard Barnes · University of Lincoln
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Governing the marine environment HC 551 5 Jun 2025 28 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
28 results
1 Conclusion Deferred
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Blurred responsibilities and poor coordination undermine effective marine governance and accountability.
Whilst balancing economic and environmental demands is important, it is critical to ensure a balance between climate action and nature recovery, particularly in enabling offshore renewable energy developments to meet net zero targets without compromising marine biodiversity. Achieving sustainable marine … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating Defra leads marine planning and has a cross-government Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme. It will publish a report on a 'marine systems map' by early 2026 and a forthcoming evidence statement to support future governance improvements, rather than immediately adopting a new joined-up approach.
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2 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Designate a lead department for marine governance and policy coordination by January 2026.
Given the lack of coordination, we recommend that one department must act as the lead authority for marine governance and the coordination of marine policy. This department should be responsible for engaging with other departments and bodies, including The Crown … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that Defra is the lead department for marine planning and has led the cross-government Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme. However, they reject the idea of a single department having ultimate responsibility for all balancing and prioritisation decisions, noting that marine plans and national policy statements guide such decisions.
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Streamlined, transparent marine governance and stakeholder engagement are crucial for protection commitments.
A more streamlined and transparent approach to marine governance, underpinned by effective stakeholder engagement, is essential for the Government to meet its marine protection commitments and to ensure a balanced approach to managing the economic, social, and environmental demands placed … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that stakeholder engagement is highly valued and central to policy, with significant current efforts. It commits to reviewing how to further improve engagement with stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to marine governance.
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4 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Strengthen stakeholder engagement across all marine policy areas within Defra.
Engaging stakeholders in a meaningful way is essential to ensure that decisions are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to both environmental and societal needs. For engagement to be effective, it must occur through appropriate forums, begin early in the decision-making process, … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that stakeholder engagement is highly valued and central to policy delivery, with significant engagement already undertaken. They commit to reviewing how they can further improve engagement across all levels.
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5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Develop and publish a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework for marine decision-making by January 2025.
We recommend that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) develops a comprehensive framework for engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly coastal communities and underrepresented voices, early-on in marine decision-making and outline the responsible organisation for leading … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that stakeholder engagement is highly valued and already central to policy delivery. They commit to reviewing how they can further improve engagement but do not commit to developing and publishing a comprehensive new framework with specified elements by the recommended deadline.
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6 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Update the outdated Marine Policy Statement at the earliest opportunity
The current Marine Policy Statement is outdated, not fit for purpose and no longer reflects Government policy or pressures on the marine environment. It therefore must be updated at the earliest opportunity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to update the Marine Policy Statement, citing its resource-intensive nature and stating that efforts are focused on other strategic marine spatial planning and delivering a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2027.
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7 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Urge Ministers to issue revised Marine Policy Statement by January 2026 reflecting pressures
We urge Ministers to issue a revised Marine Policy Statement no later than January 2026. The updated statement should reflect the current and evolving pressures on the marine environment, clearly outline the Government’s priorities for marine usage, and set out … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to issue a revised Marine Policy Statement by January 2026, citing that it would be too resource-intensive, parts are superseded by existing commitments (no new oil and gas licenses), and they are developing a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2027 instead.
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8 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Confusion surrounds delivery timeline and methods for Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme
Clear and strategic spatial planning direction from the Government is necessary to guide decision-making, minimise conflicts, and ensure that marine space is allocated in a way that supports both environmental recovery and sustainable economic development. The Government’s proposed Marine Spatial … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the Marine Spatial Prioritisation (MSPri) programme's goals and ongoing work, particularly its focus on guiding offshore wind development and improving colocation, but did not clarify the specific timeline or delivery mechanisms that the Committee expressed concern about.
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9 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Ask DEFRA to clarify Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme objectives and timeline for outputs
We ask the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to clarify the objectives and planned timeline for outputs from the Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme and explain how it contributes to the Department’s aims for “clean, healthy, safe, productive … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepted the recommendation, clarifying MSPri's objectives and current focus on guiding offshore wind development and outlining the next phase to improve colocation. However, it explicitly stated that updating the UK Marine Policy Statement, as recommended for the planning framework, is not considered a priority.
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10 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Changes in marine spatial use will displace industries requiring support and planning
It is critical that the use of marine resources is sustainably governed through marine spatial planning and prioritisation. However, changes to the use of marine space will lead to direct consequences, including the displacement or reduction of activities, on certain … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, acknowledging the impacts of changing marine space use on sectors and nature. It references ongoing consultations on the UKMS Part One, stakeholder engagement through SSEP and MSPri, and the recently launched £360 million Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund to support the fishing industry.
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11 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Call on DEFRA to publish assessment on impacts of marine spatial use changes
We call on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to publish an assessment on the impact of changes in marine spatial use on specific sectors. Affected sectors and associated stakeholders should be central to the assessment and … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged impacts of sea use on sectors, referenced existing assessments through UKMS Part One and OSPAR, and mentioned ongoing stakeholder engagement for SSEP and MSPri. It also highlighted a £360 million 'Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund' to support the fishing industry's transition, leading to a partial agreement.
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12 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Publish a plan for a just transition for marine sectors impacted by changes
The Government should publish a plan to secure a just transition for those affected by changes through targeted support, skills development, identification of long-term opportunities and associated funding. The support should reflect both traditional and emerging marine sectors, to ensure … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, committing to support the fishing industry's viability with the £360m Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund. However, it disagrees that a separate "plan for a just transition" is required, stating it will work directly with the industry instead.
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13 Conclusion Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Government failure to manage Marine Protected Area network allows damaging activities
We were concerned by Government failure to effectively manage gaps in the network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Deficient management and gaps in the network are allowing damaging activities to take place within MPA boundaries. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61) Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating it is taking action to prevent damaging activities within MPAs. They highlight that 40% of English seas are MPAs, 60% have fishing byelaws, and a consultation is underway to ban bottom trawling in 41 more MPAs, though they will not implement whole-site bans.
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14 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Call on Government to ban seabed damaging practices within offshore Marine Protected Areas
We call on the Government to ban seabed damaging practices, such as bottom trawling, dredging and mining for aggregates, within offshore Marine Protected Area boundaries. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating it already has byelaws in 60% of MPAs and commenced consultation to ban bottom trawling in an additional 41 MPAs. However, it rejects whole-site bans, instead opting for targeted restrictions based on specific features, and manages other activities through licensing.
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15 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Cessation of funding for Lyme Bay undermines crucial long-term marine data collection.
Long-term data collection is critical to scientific analysis of the effectiveness of marine protection measures such as whole-site protections and their impact on ecosystem recovery. We are concerned that funding for Lyme Bay has stopped, and this will lead to … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the value of Lyme Bay research and stated that Defra is in discussions with Natural England to continue the long-term monitoring of the site.
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16 Recommendation Acknowledged
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Reinstate DEFRA funding for sustained long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay.
We recommend that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reinstates funding to ensure the long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay is sustained to enable scientific analysis of the benefits of whole-site approaches for marine protection. … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees the Lyme Bay research is valuable and states Defra is in discussion with Natural England to continue the long-term monitoring of the site, but does not confirm immediate reinstatement of funding or guarantee its sustainment.
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17 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Whole-site marine protection via HPMAs proven effective and critical for habitat recovery.
Marine habitats are interconnected, and the health of one area impacts the entire ecosystem. Scientific research has provided evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of a whole-site approach to marine protection, which is enabled in Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA). Therefore, … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to designate more Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) or set a specific target, stating its priority is effective management of existing MPAs and that compensatory MPAs funded by the MRF have a different objective.
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18 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Expand Highly Protected Marine Areas network to 10% of UK waters by 2030, publishing designation plan.
We urge the Government to expand the network of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) to 10% of UK waters by 2030 to meet 30by30 targets, based on the evidence of their effectiveness in enabling marine nature recovery. The Marine Recovery … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to expand HPMAs to 10% of UK waters by 2030 and publish a plan by January 2026, disagreeing with setting specific HPMA targets. They state that 40% of English waters are already MPAs, meeting the 30by30 target, and they are reviewing the overall MPA network, which will consider the role of further HPMAs.
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19 Conclusion Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Marine Protected Areas' status must be maintained, not compromised by offshore energy development.
Nature recovery and restoration is a long-term process. It is of utmost importance that sites dedicated for marine protection maintain their status to allow habitats and ecosystems to recover and be effectively protected. 52 Whilst the expansion of offshore renewable … Read more
Government Response
Defra recognizes the role that maintaining effective MPAs plays in conservation goals, and around 40% of waters are already designated as MPAs. The government disagrees with setting a specific target for HPMAs in Secretary of State waters but commits to designating new or extending existing MPAs to compensate for offshore wind development.
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Maintain Marine Protected Area status and expand network to cover vulnerable sites.
We call on the Government to maintain the status of designated Marine Protected Areas and ensure the expansion of the MPA network to cover vulnerable sites of comparable biodiversity to maximise its effectiveness. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77)
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that 40% of English waters are already designated as MPAs, meeting the 30by30 target, and their priority is effective management. They are reviewing the MPA network and will consider the role of further HPMAs, but disagree with setting specific HPMA targets.
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21 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Coordinate departments and Crown Estate to site offshore wind away from sensitive areas.
We recommend the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) coordinate with The Crown Estate to ensure that offshore wind developments are developed away from the most sensitive and … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that a strategic steer has already been provided to The Crown Estate to avoid environmentally sensitive areas for offshore wind development, and this guidance will be incorporated into the Marine Delivery Routemap.
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22 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Direct Marine Recovery Fund compensatory measures to priority nature restoration initiatives.
We recommend that compensatory measures through the Marine Recovery Fund (MRF) should be directed to priority areas, particularly nature restoration initiatives, to ensure long-term nature recovery. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79) International Marine Treaties and Global Marine Protection Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating the Marine Recovery Fund (MRF) will deliver strategic compensatory measures for offshore wind impacts, and Defra is consulting on reforms to these measures via a Statutory Instrument and guidance.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Government failure to legislate for ratifying Global Oceans Treaty is disappointing.
As a result of climate change, species are increasingly migrating into the high seas and global oceans. The movement of marine species beyond national jurisdictions poses significant challenges to conservation and sustainable management efforts highlighting the need for effective governance … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its complete commitment to ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and has committed to introducing the necessary legislation by the end of the year to implement it, ahead of ratification.
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24 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Set clear timeline for introducing legislation to ratify Global Oceans Treaty by September 2025.
We urge the Government to set a clear timeline for introducing the necessary primary legislation to ratify the Global Oceans / High Seas Treaty to send a clear signal of prioritising global marine protection. The timeline for ratifying this should … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating it is committed to ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and will introduce the necessary legislation by the end of the year. This timeline is later than the committee's requested ratification by 20 September 2025 and it does not explicitly commit to publishing a timeline within a month.
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25 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas' advisory opinion is authoritative and binding on the UK.
Elements of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas’ advisory opinion are authoritative and binding on the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91)
Government Response
The government states it carefully considers the Tribunal’s Opinion and partially agrees with the conclusion, outlining its existing commitments under the Paris Agreement and ongoing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.
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26 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Require Government to publish its plan for aligning policies with the ITLOS marine pollution opinion.
We call on the Government to set out how it will align its policies with the advisory opinion issued by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas, including recognising greenhouse gas emissions as marine pollution and implementing measures … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating it carefully considers the Tribunal’s Opinion and details ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including an 81% target by 2035 and the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy. It does not commit to a specific plan for aligning policies with the ITLOS opinion or publishing its position within two months.
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27 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
UK Government funding for Overseas Territories marine conservation is critical for global protection and local empowerment.
The UK Government’s funding for programmes that enable local communities in Overseas Territories (OTs) to deliver marine conservation initiatives is critical for global marine protection, given the vast marine areas that are part of the UK’s OTs, and for empowering … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees, confirming its continued support for UK Overseas Territories through programmes like Darwin Plus and the Blue Belt Programme, which received increased funding for 2025/26, demonstrating its commitment to marine protection and leadership.
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28 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Governing the marine …
Publish plan for continued and enhanced marine conservation funding in Overseas Territories.
The UK Government should commit to continued and enhanced funding to deliver marine conservation initiatives through its Biodiversity Challenge Funds and Blue Belt Programme, which have delivered excellent marine conservation objectives globally. If the Government is to continue to prioritise … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming that Defra has secured multi-year funding beyond March 2026 for marine conservation initiatives in Overseas Territories and has increased funding for the Blue Belt Programme to £8.5 million for 2025/26.
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Government Response AI assessment · 28 of 18 classified
Accepted 5
Accepted in Part 13
Acknowledged 5
Deferred 1
Rejected 4
Total 18 recs + 10 conclusions
Correspondence 6 letters
16 Oct 2025 To committee Letter from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs relating to the Government response to the Governing the Marine Environment report
Parliament page
9 Sep 2025 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs relating to Governing the Marine Environment: Government Response, 9 September 2025
Parliament page
26 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, FCDO, responding to the 6 June 2025 joint EAC and IDC letter to the Prime Minister relating to protection of the marine environment, dated 19 June 2025
Parliament page
6 Jun 2025 To committee Joint letter from the Chairs of the Environmental Audit Committee and the International Development Committee to the Prime Minister, relating to protection of the marine environment, dated 6 June 2025
Parliament page
6 Mar 2025 To committee Letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, responding to the Committee's letter relating to Government proposals for consenting processes for offshore infrastructure projects, dated 3 March 2025
Parliament page
12 Feb 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair of the Committee to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to Government proposals for consenting processes for offshore infrastructure projects, dated 11 February 2025
Parliament page