The UK government is seeking views on compensatory measures for development impacts on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The rationale behind the government’s consultation on compensatory measures for unavoidable development impacts on MPAs is due to the increasing pressure human activities and climate change are placing the marine environment under.
The government wants to ensure that a consistent level of protection is afforded to the unique habitats, species and features that form the MPA network, as they would if they were on land.
The UK is committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 and the coastline is surrounded by an extensive network of MPAs covering 38% of the UK’s seas.
The MPAs are designated to protect a range of habitats and species and are one of the primary tools used to protect and restore the marine environment.
Where development is unavoidable and will cause adverse effect on MPAs (during either construction, operation or decommissioning), developers or other marine users may need to secure “compensatory measures”.
Potential measures will depend on the features affected but could include actions to increase seabirds populations or reduce disturbance of the seabed.
The government is now seeking views on best practice guidance for developers on the principles for the design and implementation of these measures in a consultation that runs for 10 weeks.
The consultation is seeking views on several aspects.
These include approaches to implement compensation and it is preferred that measures are implemented within the MPA site, as well as the substance of proposed compensation to address the impact of the activity.
Other aspects include next steps to deliver compensation measures effectively and the role of “net gain” which aims to enable developments to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “Our network of Marine Protected Areas now cover 38% of the UK’s seas and we want to ensure that a consistent level of protection is afforded to the unique habitats, species and features in these protected sites.
“Negative impacts on the MPA network through development should always be avoided, but if this is not possible, it’s important that effective compensation is implemented ahead of development to ensure that nature has space to recover and thrive.
“We welcome views from developers and environmental groups on this proposed guidance.”