MMX has teamed up with Indigo Planning to offer a wide-ranging advisory service on the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009.

With the recent announcement of 127 proposed Marine Conservation Zones (pMCZ’s) around the English and Welsh coast, the process of stakeholder consultation is over and the recommendations of the four project groups now go to government scientists for consideration.  There will then be a period of formal public consultation of twelve weeks.

The intention is that proposed MCZs will be formally designated in 2012, leading to ‘sea use changes’ and restrictions on human activities, in order to protect and enhance marine ecosystems.  These changes will have considerable impact on fishing, sailing, operation of pipelines and cables, recreation, diving, tourism and coastal defence.  Management plans will be required for some of the zones where it is envisaged that conservation objectives will need to be harmonised with on-going human activities.

Assembling a team of technical, planning and legal experts, MMX is advising stakeholders as the consultation period for this legislation approaches.  We are currently delivering briefing and advice, and once formal consultation has begun, we will provide analysis and response on behalf of and involving relevant stakeholders.