Anyone interested in the future of our seas can have
their say before England’s first marine plans consultation closes next
Tuesday.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) launched
England’s first draft marine plans for the seas from Flamborough Head
in the north to Felixstowe in the south in July.

The public consultation covers the Draft East Inshore
and East Offshore Marine Plans. These are the first two of 11 marine
plans to be delivered for England, which is one of the first
countries in the world to plan across all marine activities.

It is hoped that the reduced costs and increased
certainty provided by marine planning will create greater development
opportunities leading to increased economic and employment benefits for
coastal communities.

The MMO have already held drop-in sessions along the East
coast to ensure as many people as possible know about the draft plans
and have their say.

Click here for a short animation film that explains marine planning.

The 12-week consultation will end at 5pm on 8 October. You can submit your comments online and read the plans.

Pictures: A clip from the animation film.

A detailed map of the East planning areas – this can be downloaded at www.marinemanagement.org.uk/marineplanning/areas/east.htm