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<p>Marine licensing decisions and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation and management
are devolved matters. The information provided therefore relates to England only.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is committed to a sustainable and thriving fishing sector, to
delivering 40 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, and to ensuring healthy and productive
seas. To help deliver on these commitments Defra is leading a cross-Government programme
of work to consider Marine Spatial Prioritisation. The overarching goal of the programme
is to optimise the use of our seas, balancing the needs of sea users and protection
of the marine environment. As part of this, projects are underway to consider the
cumulative impacts of marine developments on fisheries and to identify opportunities
for co-location.</p><p> </p><p>In order for developments to be consented their impacts
on other sea users, including fishermen, have to be considered. The impacts on the
fishing industry of MPAs are assessed when new sites are designated and when byelaws
regulating those areas are developed. MPA can have benefits for fisheries and their
sustainability. Increases in abundance and density of fish stocks arise from better
protected, healthier environments. Studies show that uplifts in stock can spill over
into adjacent areas that allow fishing, benefitting commercial and recreational sectors.</p>
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