Marine Protected Areas

(asked on 24th February 2026) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether all the UK's marine protected areas are shown on maritime maps.


Answered by
Lord Coaker Portrait
Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
This question was answered on 11th March 2026

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is responsible for producing the UK’s maritime navigation charts; the Office operates as an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Defence. The UKHO only charts UK’s marine protected areas where they have an influence on marine navigation and safety of life at sea.

However, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) independently undertakes marine offshore surveys, monitors marine species, and maps marine and seabed habitats in its advisory capacity for Marine Protected Areas in UK waters; the JNCC is a non-executive public body administered by DEFRA.

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