South marine plans vision and objectives workshops 

15th – 18th July 2014 Eastbourne, Southampton, Weymouth and Exmouth Making shore the 20 year Marine Plan for the south takes full account of leisure boating.

Following the successful engagement and consultation on the South Plans Analytical Report (SPAR), the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) will be holding a series of workshops offering you the opportunity to influence the next stage of the planning process for the South inshore and offshore marine plan areas; the vision and objectives.

There are currently a number of issues on the table, including sustainable development, wildlife conservation, wind energy, fishery and aquaculture, investment and others.

The RYA Southern Region is actively involved in attending these Marine Planning Workshops because they want to ensure that the 20 year Marine Plan for the south takes full account of leisure boating and its importance to the local economy and tourism.  If we are successful, it should also ensure that Harbour Master Plans recognise leisure boating as a growing source of influence and income for most harbours.

In July, workshops will be held in Eastbourne, Southampton, Weymouth and Exmouth so you can comment on what the South marine plans should seek to achieve within their 20 year span and offer ideas as to how this might be done.

Please click on your choice of location to book -

Tuesday 15 July - International Lawn Tennis Centre -Eastbourne

Wednesday 16 July -Solent Conference Centre  - Southampton

Thursday 17 July -The Rembrandt - Weymouth

Friday 18 July - Ocean Blue  - Exmouth

All sessions will run from 10am until 3.30pm. The sessions will present and discuss:

·      an update of progress since the last workshops

·      a draft vision

·      draft objectives for achieving the vision.

A buffet lunch will be provided and refreshments will be available throughout the day. To register for a workshop please book via eventbrite.

Places are limited, so we politely request that each organisation send no more than two representatives. Pre-workshop information, including the draft vision and objectives document and workshop logistics, will be sent out to participants prior to the first workshop.

The draft vision and objectives document will be updated following feedback at the workshops. If you are unable to participate in the workshops you can still have you say on the draft vision and objectives.  Details will be circulated to all stakeholders of an opportunity to send written comments direct to the MMO for a period of time alongside the workshops. You may also be interested to know that the finalised SPAR will be published online later this month.

For further updates please check the Marine Development Blog or contact Cheryl Nicholson, Marine Planning Team, MMO.

Tel: 0191 376 2530.  www.marinemanagement.org.uk.

Enabling sustainable growth in our marine area.