What is marine planning?
Marine planning is all about sustainable development. We want to make sure the right activities take place in the right place and in the right way (and right time) within the marine environment. We will do this through the emerging North West Marine Plan. 

I assume you only care about big budget developments? 
Not at all. This is the biggest myth about marine planning. Whilst we do have multi-billion pound businesses feeding into the developing Marine Plans, we have companies of one person who are telling us what is important to them. We also have people who use the coast and sea in their spare time talking to us. They all matter. 

If you care about the marine area, then I want to talk to you and hear your views. Whilst Marine Plans can’t solve every problem, we always pay attention to what you have to say. If we can’t help, we will say why. But I would rather get ten issues that I cannot help with than miss one we could.

You talk a lot about development. What about our beautiful environment?
The environment is incredibly important to us. We are truly lucky in the North West to have some of the most beautiful coastline and estuaries in the world. I dare anyone to stand on St Bee’s Head and claim otherwise. Amazing areas like that need protecting so future generations can experience it too. That is why it is called sustainable development. So we want you to tell us what is most important so we have a full picture.

What does a Marine Plan look like?
We have just released the first iteration products of the process that will develop the North West Marine Plan. You can find them here. We are also looking for your feedback which you can provide until 31 March. If you like the policies or format, tell us. If you don’t, then tell us as well. What matters to us is that the Marine Plan works for you and the North West marine area.

If you are looking to see an indication of the scope of marine plans, but are not necessarily a template for the North West, the East Marine Plan is the first to be adopted in the UK.  We also recently published the South Marine Plan for public consultation.  

For the full Q and A with Sam or to find out about attending the NW plan workshop in Carlisle on Wednesday 1 March click here.