THE Marine Management Organisation has launched England's first draft marine plans for the seas from Flamborough Head in the north to Felixstowe in the south.
The public consultation was announced yesterday to Parliament by Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon.
The views of all those with an interest in the East marine areas are vital to the plan making process.
As well as offering an online consultation tool, nine drop-in sessions will be held along the East coast to ensure as many people as possible know about the draft plans and have their say.
One of these will be held between 10am and 8pm on Wednesday, August 7, at Grimsby Town Hall.
The consultation is now underway and will run for 12 weeks, until October 8.
The UK marine economy is currently worth more than £47 billion annually, and has the potential to increase significantly.
Marine plans will inform and guide marine users and regulators, managing the sustainable development of marine industries taking account of local communities and the need to protect leisure users and the environment.
It is hoped that the reduced costs and increased certainty provided by marine planning will create greater development opportunities, leading to increased economic and employment benefits for coastal communities. Mr Benyon said: "We are doing more than ever to protect our marine environment.
"Effective marine planning is a crucial part of this, and provides benefits for people, industry and wildlife. I would encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation."
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