A new online atlas has been launched at the Coastal Futures 2006 conference (25/26th January). The ‘Coastal and Marine Resource Atlas’ will replace outdated hard copy maps of the UK’s coastline with constantly updated marine data, including wildlife populations, fish stocks, heritage and environmental assets, and detailed administrative demarcation zones.

Hosted by MAGIC, (www.magic.gov.uk) a web-based interactive mapping site, which draws together information on key environmental schemes and designations, the atlas is the result of a two year project funded by UK private and public sector organisations led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Defra.

The agencies claim the £200k project will be an important tool for improving how the UK plans to manage the precious natural coastal and marine resources in times of marine emergencies. However, in the event of actual spills expert advice will always be sought.