National News

North West Marine Plans Adopted!

NW Coastal Forum

The UK Government has, today (23rd June) formally adopted the marine plans for the North West, North East, South West and South East of England. The marine plans have been produced by the Marine Management Organisation on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.   Accompanying each of the […]

Government Response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review

NW Coastal Forum

The Government has – on 8th June 2021 – published its response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review which they had previously commissioned former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon to undertake to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, known as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced.  […]

Fishing and Offshore Wind – Policy Brief

NW Coastal Forum

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries has published a policy brief on UK Fishing and Offshore Wind.  The briefing summarises the outputs from the APPG on Fisheries open Parliamentary webinar, which took place in May 2021. This webinar brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore how the fisheries and offshore wind sectors […]

Closed – consultation: UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy

NW Coastal Forum

Consultation Closes 14 Jun 2021 The Scottish Government, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Welsh Government, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA) and the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, have developed a UK-wide conservation strategy for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. The aim of the strategy is […]

Closed – consultation on draft regulations for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments

NW Coastal Forum

Consultation close: 6pm on 16 June 2021 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are seeking views on the draft merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2021 and associated guidance. These will implement the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments into domestic law. […]

Closed – consultation: Dee River Basin Management Plan 2021-2027

NW Coastal Forum

Closes 22nd June 2021 Natural Resources Wales have opened a consultation to seek views on the issues impacting upon the water environment in the Dee river basin district and the actions that are needed to protect and restore the water environment. Responses will be used to shape, develop and update the Dee River Basin Management […]

Plover Rovers – Talking the Coast 2021

NW Coastal Forum

The Plover Rovers are a newly established science communication charity focusing on bringing marine science and coastal communities together. Their 2021 “Talking the Coast” project will have members of the UK Marine Scientific Community walk stretches of the English Coast Path and present their relevant research to local communities in towns and villages along the […]

England Coast Path – North West Section Added to National Trails Website

NW Coastal Forum

The National Trails website has been updated and includes a section dedicated to the coast path in the North West. The site provides general information about the path, including maps, enables trip planning and – importantly – enables the public and local businesses, etc., to add photos and relevant information such as accommodation services or […]