ABPmer to map key socio-economic uses of the marine environment

ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer), a recognised leader in the field of marine planning, is developing UK-wide digital maps of human activities in the marine environment.   The specific layers relating to commercial fisheries, renewable energy, mariculture and archaeological interests are being developed to support the section of marine protected areas (MPAs).  

The UK Government is committed, through OSPAR and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, to setting up a network of MPAs that will contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.  Draft guidance (Defra, 2008) accompanying the draft Marine Bill provides for decision makers to have regard to the economic and social consequences of designating particular areas.  The selection of sites will be undertaken at a regional level with the establishment of a number of Regional MPA Projects led by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Natural England.

Steve Hull, Director ABPmer, said “ABPmer has been reviewing international practice of incorporating socio-economic interests in the planning of marine conservation zones, to help Defra shape its own thinking on the subject.   Part of this study has sought to identify some of the key social and economic information required to inform site selection.  The development of this latest set of data layers will cover the whole UK Continental Shelf (inshore and offshore waters) and will be critical in ensuring that socio-economic factors are integral to the site selection process.”

ABPmer’s highly regarded GIS and Data Team are currently leading a project to provide Government with UK-wide digital mapping of the distribution of important biological, geological and geomorphological conservation features to support MPA planning  (MB0102). 

Enquiries:
Claire Brown, GIS and Data Team Leader, ABPmer
Tel: 02380 711840

Tracey Hewett
ABPmer Communications 
Tel: 02380 711840