This weekend, a statement of intent is being launched which is another step forward to see Plymouth Sound National Marine Park established.
The waters around our city are the jewel in its crown – where else in the United Kingdom do environmentally protected waters also sustain the military, fishing industry, tourism and leisure, and the import and export of aggregates and other essential materials?
I look forward to seeing how the National Marine Park model takes shape. Anything which promotes the protection and development of each of the aspects of our beautiful and unique waterfront is to be welcomed.
However, Plymouth City Council must ensure a thorough consultation takes place with the full range of stakeholders in the city and those responsible for existing designated landscapes such as AONBs before moving forward to ensure that the creation of this National Marine Park does not inadvertently hinder any of the economic, military or leisure uses of Plymouth Sound. To date this has not taken place and if elected, this is something I will hold them account for.
Plymouth Sound already sees some of the most protected waters in the whole country. Therefore, if the Marine Park is to be more than simply a rebranding of Plymouth Sound exercise, the substance of the project needs to take into account all users of our waters, Plymouth Sound and its tributaries. Military, business and tourism uses are significantly important to the economy of our city and the Marine Park must not hinder this.
It is the policy of the Conservative Government to see the development of a 'Blue Belt' and the Marine Park would form part of this. The Government has supported the idea to develop Plymouth Sound National Marine Park - something which was formed in 2016 by my colleague, Councillor Ian Bowyer when he was leader of the Council. They've backed the proposals with £70,000 of funding to date.
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said:
“Our seas provide great economic opportunities for our world leading marine sector but they also need our protection. I wholeheartedly support the creation of the first National Marine Park, backed by £70,000 of government funding. This local initiative shows how communities can come together to protect our marine environments whilst developing their economic potential for the industries that rely on them.
“This Government wants us to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than we found it. We are already leading the rest of the world by protecting over 30% of our oceans across the UK and our overseas territories – and I am urging countries around the world to follow our example. We’ve also created 91 Marine Protected Areas, expanding the national ‘Blue Belt’ so that it protects more than 40% of English waters.”
