Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
2nd Report - Governing the marine environment
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 551
Published 5 June 2025
Recommendations
2
Accepted in Part
Designate a lead department for marine governance and policy coordination by January 2026.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
4
Accepted in Part
Strengthen stakeholder engagement across all marine policy areas within Defra.
Recommendation
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, …
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Government Response Summary
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
Accepted in Part
Develop and publish a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework for marine decision-making by January 2025.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
6
Rejected
Update the outdated Marine Policy Statement at the earliest opportunity
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Rejected
Urge Ministers to issue revised Marine Policy Statement by January 2026 reflecting pressures
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
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 …
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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.
11
Accepted in Part
Call on DEFRA to publish assessment on impacts of marine spatial use changes
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
12
Accepted in Part
Publish a plan for a just transition for marine sectors impacted by changes
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
14
Accepted in Part
Call on Government to ban seabed damaging practices within offshore Marine Protected Areas
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
16
Acknowledged
Reinstate DEFRA funding for sustained long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay.
Recommendation
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. …
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Government Response Summary
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
Rejected
Whole-site marine protection via HPMAs proven effective and critical for habitat recovery.
Recommendation
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, …
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Government Response Summary
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
Rejected
Expand Highly Protected Marine Areas network to 10% of UK waters by 2030, publishing designation plan.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
20
Accepted in Part
Maintain Marine Protected Area status and expand network to cover vulnerable sites.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
21
Accepted
Coordinate departments and Crown Estate to site offshore wind away from sensitive areas.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
Accepted in Part
Direct Marine Recovery Fund compensatory measures to priority nature restoration initiatives.
Recommendation
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
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Government Response Summary
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.
24
Accepted in Part
Set clear timeline for introducing legislation to ratify Global Oceans Treaty by September 2025.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
26
Accepted in Part
Require Government to publish its plan for aligning policies with the ITLOS marine pollution opinion.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
28
Accepted
Publish plan for continued and enhanced marine conservation funding in Overseas Territories.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Conclusions (10)
1
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
3
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
8
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
10
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
13
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
15
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
19
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
23
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
25
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
27
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.