APPG’s recommendation to establish Highly Protected Marine Area actioned by DEFRA this week

The APPG for the Ocean is delighted to see that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has announced this week the first three marine areas in England (Allonby Bay, North East of Farnes Deep, and Dolphin Head) to receive the highest level of protection for marine habitats and species. These areas have now been designated Highly Protected Marine Areas and are under the highest level of protection in our seas.

Establishing Highly Protected Marine Areas in England was one of our key recommendations in our inquiry report we released last year, titled The Ocean: Turning the Tide on Climate Change. It is fantastic to see the Government taking the necessary steps and efforts to prioritise blue carbon and ocean-based solutions. By protecting our ocean and blue carbon habitats, the UK can begin to ensure that net zero targets are met, that coastal communities can benefit, and that the ocean becomes an active player in climate change mitigation.