Sustainable Stewardship of our Seas

The coastal and marine environments support a great diversity of habitats and species, as well as providing resources for consumption and economic development. However, coastal habitats are under increasing pressure from development, tourism and natural processes such as sea level rise, whilst further offshore, marine habitats and species are threatened by activities associated with fisheries, aggregate extraction and offshore energy developments. 

The conflicts of interest between environmental, social and economic needs are being addressed through the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.  However, integrated and sustainable management of our coastal and marine resources lags behind that on land. There is an urgent need for the establishment of integrated coastal zone management and strategic spatial planning of activities in the marine environment.

MCS aims to promote the sustainable and sensitive stewardship of our seas and marine resources through a system of marine spatial planning where areas are identified for strict protection and other areas are managed for sustainable use and development.

A new Marine Bill provides what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide the protection that our nationally important marine sites and marine species and habitats urgently need, whilst also establishing a co-ordinated and strategic system for planning and managing the many industries and activities that impact on and compete for use of the marine environment.