The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is organizing in-person events in September 2025 across Norwich, Kings Lynn, and Hull to update stakeholders on the East Marine Plan development.
This initiative aims to share information, gather input on draft policies, and prepare for a statutory consultation in 2026, impacting marine industries and coastal communities.
Engagement Opportunities for Stakeholders
The MMO’s upcoming events provide a platform for stakeholders to engage directly with the East Marine Plan’s development.
These sessions will cover coastal waters from Flamborough Head to Felixstowe and offshore areas extending to borders with the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
The plan update responds to findings from the 2020 progress report that highlighted outdated policies due to legislative changes.
There are three opportunities for stakeholders to attend an event
Tuesday 16th September, Norwich
Dragonfly House 2 Gilders Way, Norwich, NR3 1UB
Sign up to the in-person event on Eventbrite here
Wednesday 17th September, Kings Lynn
Saturday Market Place, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5DQ
Sign up to the in-person event on Eventbrite here
Thursday 18th September, Hull
The Deep Business Centre Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4BG
Sign up to the in-person event on Eventbrite here
What Stakeholders Can Expect
- Direct engagement opportunities at three in-person events in Norwich, Kings Lynn, and Hull.
- Information sharing on issues with supporting evidence and plan objectives.
- Opportunities to influence draft marine policies before formal consultation in 2026.
- Regular updates available via a newsletter and dedicated planning email for questions.
The Importance of Updated Marine Policies
The replacement of the East Marine Plan is crucial for UK marine professionals, businesses, and coastal communities. It updates policies governing activities like fishing, offshore energy, shipping, and conservation.
For instance, offshore wind farm developers must align with new policies reflecting current environmental frameworks. These changes could impact project planning and operational costs while influencing local economies dependent on marine resources.
Implications for Coastal Communities
The updated plan will shape how marine resources are used and protected. Fishermen may experience changes in access or restrictions based on new policies.
Coastal businesses might face shifts in regulatory requirements while residents benefit from sustainable management that protects biodiversity. The plan also emphasizes international cooperation on shared waters post-Brexit.
A Historical Context
This development follows the 2020 progress report on the 2014 East Marine Plans which concluded that existing policies were outdated due to legislative changes like the Environment Act 2021.
The MMO’s recommendation to replace the plan was approved by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2022. This marks a shift toward incorporating sustainability into marine plans through a natural capital approach developed with Natural England.
Additional Reading
To Summarize
The East Marine Plan update represents a significant shift towards sustainable marine management along England’s east coast.
By engaging stakeholders early in the process through events planned for September 2025, the MMO aims to ensure that diverse voices contribute to shaping future policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Sources: UK Government, Defra, and Marine Management Organisation.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
