Committees

Are MPAs fit for purpose, and how can we better plan our oceans and seas to protect precious habitats?

28 March 2025

Evidence Session

Government ministers will next week answer questions from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) on how the UK uses its seas and oceans amid rising demand from industries spanning activities from renewable energy to fishing, and Government commitments to designate 30% of the UK’s waters as protected areas by 2030.

The evidence session represents the final hearing of the Governing the marine environment inquiry, where EAC has focused on the seas and oceans aspects of the Government’s target to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030. The Committee has collected views on matters such as spatial planning, protecting coastal communities, and ensuring marine protected areas (MPAs) are adequately safeguarding nature, and the role international agreements and treaties have played in protecting the marine environment both around the UK and globally.

On the first panel, representatives of the Marine Management Organisation, The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland will address matters such as marine planning, licensing, compliance, monitoring and enforcement. The Committee will then seek to better understand cross-departmental working to protect seas and oceans as MPs question Defra Minister Emma Hardy and FCDO Minister Baroness Chapman. Baroness Chapman is also likely to be invited to discuss the role of international agreements and treaties in securing protection for the marine environment.

Witnesses

  From 3pm:

  • Michelle Willis, CEO, Marine Management Organisation
  • Olivia Thomas, Head of Planning and Technical (Marine), The Crown Estate
  • Ronan O'Hara, Chief Executive, Crown Estate Scotland

From 4pm:

Further information

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