Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, No. 23 (as amended)

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that addresses the management, conservation, and sustainable use of marine and coastal environments. Here's a summary of its key aspects:

Purpose:The primary purpose of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is to provide a framework for the management and protection of marine and coastal areas, promote sustainable development, enhance public access to the coast, and conserve marine biodiversity and habitats. The act aims to achieve these objectives through a range of measures, including the establishment of marine protected areas, the development of marine plans, and the creation of a network of coastal access routes.

Requirements:

1. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs): The act empowers the government to designate Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to protect and conserve marine biodiversity, habitats, and species of special interest. MCZs are designated areas where specific conservation objectives are set, and activities that may damage or disturb marine ecosystems are regulated to safeguard their ecological value.
2. Marine Planning: The act introduces a system of marine planning to manage activities and development in the marine environment in a coordinated and sustainable manner. Marine plans identify areas suitable for different types of marine activities, such as fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy, shipping, and conservation, and provide a framework for decision-making to balance competing interests and protect marine resources.
3. Coastal Access: The act establishes provisions for the creation of a network of coastal access routes around the English coast, providing public access to beaches, foreshores, and coastal paths. It aims to improve public enjoyment and appreciation of the coast while respecting the rights and interests of landowners and stakeholders.
4. Marine Licensing: The act introduces a streamlined system of marine licensing to regulate activities and developments in the marine environment, such as construction, dredging, coastal defense works, and marine renewable energy projects. Marine licenses are required for certain activities to ensure they are carried out in a manner that protects marine ecosystems and respects other marine users.

Applicability:

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 applies to a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, environmental organizations, recreational users, commercial interests, and coastal communities. It establishes a legal framework for the management and conservation of marine and coastal environments in England and Wales, with provisions for cooperation and collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders.

Overall, the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 represents a significant step towards the sustainable management and conservation of marine resources and coastal environments in the United Kingdom. It provides a comprehensive framework for balancing the diverse interests and uses of the marine environment while protecting its ecological integrity and promoting public access and enjoyment.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 primarily focuses on the management, conservation, and sustainable use of marine and coastal environments in the United Kingdom. While the act does not explicitly outline evidence requirements, it establishes mechanisms and processes that may necessitate the provision of evidence in various contexts. Here's a summary of potential evidence requirements under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009:

1. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs): Evidence may be required to support the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and the establishment of conservation objectives within these zones. This evidence could include scientific research, data on marine biodiversity and habitats, ecological assessments, and stakeholder input to demonstrate the need for conservation measures and the ecological significance of designated areas.
2. Marine Planning: Evidence may be necessary to inform the development of marine plans and decision-making processes related to marine spatial planning. This could involve data on marine habitats, marine resources, human activities, socio-economic factors, and environmental impacts to support the identification of suitable areas for different uses and the formulation of policies and management measures.
3. Coastal Access: Evidence may be required to support proposals for the creation of coastal access routes and the designation of public rights of way along the coast. This could include evidence of existing access points, routes, and usage patterns, as well as assessments of environmental sensitivities, landownership, and legal considerations to inform decisions on route alignment and access arrangements.
4. Marine Licensing: Evidence may be needed to support applications for marine licenses and permits under the marine licensing regime established by the act. This could include environmental impact assessments, technical reports, surveys, plans, and other documentation to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, assess potential impacts on marine ecosystems, and propose mitigation measures.
5. Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: Evidence of consultation and stakeholder engagement may be required to demonstrate public involvement and input in decision-making processes under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This could involve documentation of consultation exercises, public feedback, responses to comments and concerns raised, and efforts to address stakeholder interests and preferences.

Overall, while the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 does not specify detailed evidence requirements, it establishes processes and mechanisms that may necessitate the provision of evidence to support decision-making, planning, and management activities related to marine and coastal environments. Stakeholders involved in activities under the act should be prepared to provide relevant data, information, and analysis as necessary to meet regulatory requirements and support the achievement of conservation and management objectives.