Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
2nd Report - Governing the marine environment
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 551
Published 5 June 2025
Government response
4th Special Report - Governing the marine environment: Government Response · published 9 Sep 2025
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Deferred
Blurred responsibilities and poor coordination undermine effective marine governance and accountability.
Conclusion
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 …
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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.