ISLE OF MAN MARINE PLAN- STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION

The Department of Infrastructure has released a Statement of Public Participation (SPP) to outline how and when interested groups and members of the public can have their say on the formulation of the Isle of Man Marine Plan.

The seas around the Island are becoming increasingly crowded, with demands on space from a number of different marine activities and protection measures. It is important that an integrated and strategic approach is formulated to ensure the use of the area is managed in the most sustainable way. The Isle of Man Marine Plan project has been established to do this through considering economic, environmental and social issues and will set out a vision with clear objectives and policies.

The Isle of Man Marine Plan uses the principles of marine spatial planning, which includes a strong focus on stakeholder participation. The SPP acknowledges this and sets out how and when interested parties can become involved in the development of the plan, and explains the main stages and activities in its production.

Minister for Infrastructure, David Cretney MHK said:

‘As a small Island nation, the role of the sea around our Island has for centuries defined our industry, commerce and culture and as such has an inextricable link to the well-being of our nation. Acknowledging the importance and integral part the sea plays in our daily lives, our timetable for progress of the plan revolves around the principle of stakeholder engagement and we will seek and value opinions from all sectors at every stage of the process.’

The SPP is currently being sent to all identified stakeholders and can also be viewed by visiting http://www.gov.im/transport/planning/msp/spp.xml