Wales invites public input on marine plan draft

The government of Wales has launched a public consultation on its first national marine plan which sets out the vision and objectives for the sustainable management of Welsh seas.

The Welsh National Marine Plan represents the start of a planning process of shaping the Welsh seas to support economic, social and environmental objectives, the government said.

Its purpose is to guide the sustainable development of Welsh marine area by setting out how proposals for use will be considered by decision makers, such as the consenting authorities.

The plan introduces a framework to support sustainable decision-making for Welsh seas, sets out strategic objectives, presents general cross-cutting plan policies and policy implementation guidance, and includes sector-specific plan policies that cover the offshore renewable energy sector.

The Welsh marine plan area consists of around 32,000 km2 of sea, as well as 2,120 km of coastline.

The Welsh National Marine Plan covers both the Welsh inshore region, from mean high water spring tides out to 12 nautical miles from shore, and offshore region, beyond 12 nautical miles.

The marine plan draft is open for consultation until March 29, 2018.