Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted in Part
Ask DEFRA to clarify Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme objectives and timeline for outputs
Recommendation
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 programme sets out a framework for marine spatial planning that is adaptable to future pressures and follows the guidance set out in an updated Marine Policy Statement, which we have also recommended. This framework should direct activity toward areas of least environmental sensitivity, fully integrate the fisheries sector to avoid conflict and support co-location, and explicitly address the cumulative impacts of multiple marine uses. This will support the sustainable management of marine resources and reduce pressure on ecologically valuable areas. (Recommendation, Paragraph 38)
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The MSPri programme supports the goal of achieving “clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas” through developing a more strategic approach to the use of sea space, with key consideration for needs of different marine sectors and nature recovery. Defra communicated that MSPri objectives are to optimise the use of the sea, maximise colocation and where necessary to prioritise the use of the sea. The programme has evolved to improve colocation and make more sustainable use of marine space. The MSPri process has more recently focused on providing a strategic steer to TCE on key marine interests related to potential future offshore wind development in the English sea, helping to identify suitable areas and avoid environmentally sensitive areas or areas important for other marine sectors. This work helps reduce clashes between future offshore wind projects and other users. The next phase of MSPri will be to take forward the colocation workstream and continue to build on the steer given by Government to TCE. Marine plans play a key role in delivering the Government’s long-term vision, supporting sustainable management and ensuring environmental safeguards. Marine plans are regularly reviewed to remain relevant. The NSIP process also considers environmental impact. The Government therefore partially agrees with this recommendation, because as explained previously it does not agree that updating the UK MPS is a priority.