Recommendations & Conclusions
28 items
1
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Deferred
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 governance that ensures marine protection requires effective, cross-government coordination. Marine …
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, …
2
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 Estate, to ensure their needs are considered alongside competing demands. …
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 …
3
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Acknowledged
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 on the marine environment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22) 49
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.
4
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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, and be maintained consistently throughout. Poor stakeholder engagement leads to …
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.
5
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 the engagement across areas of marine policy. This framework should …
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 …
6
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Rejected
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.
7
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Rejected
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 by which decisions on the balance between marine exploitation and …
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 …
8
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Acknowledged
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 Prioritisation Programme has the potential to deliver this. However, the …
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.
9
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 and biologically diverse oceans and seas”. We recommend that the …
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 …
10
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Acknowledged
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 marine industries and it is important that these affected industries …
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 …
11
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 planning of the transition. (Recommendation, Paragraph 41)
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 …
12
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 the retention of existing expertise while supporting the adoption of …
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 …
13
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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)
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 …
14
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 …
15
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted
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 a gap in long-term data collection and undermine marine conservation …
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.
16
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Acknowledged
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. We urge DEFRA to make this decision urgently to ensure …
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.
17
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Rejected
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, it is critical for the Government to deliver whole-site marine …
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.
18
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Rejected
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 Fund should be used to assist the establishment of new …
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 …
19
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 energy development, like offshore wind farms, are critical for net …
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 …
20
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 …
21
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted
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 biologically diverse sites. This should be done by clearly setting …
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.
22
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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
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.
23
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted
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 and protection of these areas. We are disappointed that the …
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.
24
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 be published within a month of this report and the …
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 …
25
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Acknowledged
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.
26
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted in Part
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 to prevent, reduce, and mitigate such pollution based on the …
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 …
27
Conclusion
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted
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 local communities. It is vital for the UK Government to …
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.
28
Recommendation
2nd Report - Governing the marine envir…
Accepted
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 climate action and marine conservation in Overseas Territories, despite cuts …
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.