Defra consultation on the principles of Marine Net Gain:

The Government’s response to the 2018 terrestrial Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultation confirmed the intention to develop and consult on an appropriate regime for the marine environment which builds on commitments in Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

Broadly speaking, marine net gain aims to put the marine environment into recovery. It will do so by requiring that all in-scope developments leave the environment in a better state than before, and thereby firmly embed environmental improvement into the heart of infrastructure planning and delivery.

This consultation takes forward this work and the responses will help inform more detailed policy development.

This consultation seeks views from all interested parties on the proposed principles of marine net gain. We are particularly keen to hear from marine industries, recreational marine users, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and conservationists, academics, and coastal communities.

We need your views and evidence to help us understand the unique nature of the marine environment, to ensure the regime we develop is fit for purpose.

Submitted views and evidence will help to shape the future of this policy and any associated guidance.

The consultation closes on 30 August, 2022.

Further information can be found on the Defra website here.