Technical paper to support the development of marine ecosystem objectives in the UK

Rogers, S.I., Tasker, M and Whitmee, D (2005) Technical paper to support the development of marine ecosystem objectives in the UK. Technical Report. Defra, UK.

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Summary

This paper provides background information to support forthcoming work on the development of marine ecosystem objectives in the UK. It describes governments’ strategic goals for the marine environment, and summarises our existing commitments to biodiversity conservation. It also presents some of the key issues that will need to be considered when the UK begins to develop an integrated, ecosystem approach to management.

Building on recent UK commitments to sustainable development and implementation of the ecosystem approach, it is thought that a management framework centred around ecosystem objectives will help decision-makers and regulators in their management of human activity in the marine environment. The Government is considering the role they could play in proposals for inclusion in the Marine Bill. The purpose of the paper is to set the scene and highlight key issues that should be considered during the development of ecosystem objectives. In particular, this paper will contribute to discussions at the Manchester technical workshop 31 Oct to 1 Nov. Further practical work including contracted studies, and technical and stakeholder workshops, will be required to develop more detailed proposals for marine ecosystem objectives for the UK.

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