Blueprint for an effective strategic marine net gain framework in the UK
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Seabed User and Developer Group (SUDG) has recently concluded its work with the OWEC funded strategic marine net gain T&F Group, with the publication of the final report “Local Application of Strategic Marine Net Gain (SMNG) Targets in the East Marine Plan Area”.
This work represents a culmination of five years’ worth of collaboration across industry, eNGOs, SNCBs, government bodies and environmental consultancies. The report provides a blueprint for how the UK can implement an effective strategic marine net gain framework.
The SUDG has been instrumental in bringing this work forward, showing the positive contribution that marine industries can make to improve the marine environment.
Statement from the Task & Finish Group
“We are delighted to publish this report, which represents the collective efforts of all involved over the last five years, and has only been possible because of the dedication and commitment shown by each member of the group.
The UK’s seas are undergoing profound ecological pressure and the need for sustainable growth across marine industries has never been more urgent. Yet they also hold extraordinary potential for recovery when policy, planning, and development align behind a shared purpose.
Over the past five years, the Strategic Marine Net Gain (SMNG) Task & Finish Group (T&F Group), a coalition of The Crown Estate, The Seabed User and Developer Group, marine industries, conservation organisations, Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs), Defra and environmental consultancies, has worked collectively to shape how future development can actively contribute to restoring the health, resilience, and biodiversity of our marine environment.
Across three phases of work delivered under the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) Programme, the T&F Group has developed a shared understanding of what Marine Net Gain (MNG) should achieve and how it could be delivered strategically and effectively.
The recommendations in this final report constitute a coherent package, grounded in consensus across diverse marine interests, and are designed to support Government in shaping a statutory MNG policy that is deliverable, strategic, and enduring.
We encourage everyone to read the report and share their feedback with the T&F Group.”
Any feedback or relfections on this work can be shared with info@sudg.org.uk.
The final report can be downloaded below, or alternatively access the report and supporting evidence gathering on The Crown Estate's Marine Data Exchange: https://www.marinedataexchange.co.uk/details/TCE-4482/2025-2026-strategic-net-gain-task-and-finish-group-offshore-wind-evidence-and-change-programme-owec-piloting-strategic-marine-net-gain-in-the-east-marine-plan-area
