Plans are progressing for Plymouth Sound to be designated the UK’s first ‘National Marine Park’. The news was announced by Plymouth City Council , who have received a £75,000 grant from the Marine Management Organisation so that phase one of the project can begin.
The area already enjoys conservation status: Plymouth Sound & Tamar Estuaries Marine Protected Area is made up of a number of overlapping designations and component sites, which recognise its importance to marine conservation. But it’s hoped that a marine-park designation for this uniquely-varied marine landscape will elevate the area to the same level as the UK’s 15 existing national parks.
First steps, according to the Council, include a public consultation, as well as bringing together stakeholders, local partners and the Government to develop and properly designate the area.
‘We have a rich maritime heritage, a successful and productive fishing industry and world-renowned marine science and engineering, the largest naval base in Western Europe and a National Marine Aquarium,’ said councillor Sue Dann.
‘Plymouth is ideally placed to be the UK’s first national marine park.’
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