Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
2nd Report - Governing the marine environment
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 551
Published 5 June 2025
Conclusions (1)
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.