Marine activities and their social and economic impacts are explored in reports published by Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The research will help ensure factors such as new jobs, tourism, leisure activities and coastal communities are all taken into account as MMO plans for the future of our seas.
MMO is leading on marine planning for English waters – where 11 regional plans outline a 20-year vision for activities in our marine area.
Patricia Almada-Villela, Head of Evidence, Data and Knowledge Management at MMO, said: "This information is vital to understanding the impacts and opportunities of marine activities, and how we can plan for sustainable development as demand for these activities increase."
The reports are:
Economic baseline assessment of the South Coast - Provides a current economic snapshot of marine activities and their impacts, which is vital to allow planners to predict future economic changes.
Social impacts of fisheries, aquaculture, recreation, tourism and marine protected areas (MPAs) in marine plan areas in England - Understanding social impacts and the value of marine activities to coastal communities and others.
Spatial trends in shipping activity - Mapping the areas, and volume of, shipping activity in the South marine plan areas.
Compilation of spatial data on marine recreation activities: Phase 2 - Looking at popular leisure uses of our coast and seas in the South.
