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Marine Environment
29 January 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses actions taken to accelerate offshore wind development while protecting the marine environment.
Action Requested
Defra commits to designating new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and/or extending existing MPAs in Secretary of State waters to provide strategic compensation for unavoidable environmental impacts of offshore wind projects. The Department will also aim to deliver additional environmental compensation for operational projects delivered in Leasing Round 2.
Key Facts
- Defra is implementing an offshore wind environmental improvement package.
- The UK aims to achieve 43 to 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 as part of the Clean Power Action Plan.
- New and/or extended MPAs will protect benthic habitats and be funded through the Marine Recovery Fund.
- Offshore wind developers must pay into the Marine Recovery Fund before any adverse effects can occur.
- The Government is committed to supporting the fishing industry amid increased spatial tensions.
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