Welsh Government publishes Marine Plan monitoring report 2022-25
The Welsh Government has published its second Welsh National Marine Plan (WNMP) Monitoring Report for 2022–25, as required under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, assessing progress in implementing the plan’s objectives for sustainable marine management. The report finds that WNMP policies are increasingly applied in marine licensing and consenting decisions, supported by expanded guidance, technical statements, and spatial data resources. Stakeholder engagement remains effective, and the plan is viewed as fit for purpose. Notable progress includes growth in offshore renewable energy and introduction of Strategic Resource Areas, while limited advancement is reported in areas such as public funding alignment, tourism, and marine economic data. Environmental indicators show continued challenges in achieving Good Environmental Status, particularly for marine litter and invasive species, though improvements in fish stock sustainability are noted. Overall, evidence remains largely qualitative, but the WNMP is influencing decision-making and contributing to high-level marine objectives.