Marine Licensing in Marine Conservation Zones: Thomson v Marine Management Organisation

Abstract

The process of marine licensing in marine conservation zones in the US is discussed. Section 126 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) 2009 places specific duties on the MMO, relating to marine conservation zones (MCZs) and marine license decision making. In determining how to apply s.126 in undertaking its marine licensing function, the MMO is introducing a new MCZ assessment process that will be integrated into existing marine license decision making procedures. This will apply to all new marine license applications with immediate effect and is relevant to MCZs proposed by Defra until the point of designation. MCZ sites and features identified as possible candidates for designation in future tranches will be NOT be subject to the MCZ assessment process. The assessment process also addresses the general duties placed on the MMO in s.125 of the MCAA with respect to furthering the conservation objectives of MCZs.