Marine Planning Stakeholder Reference Group meeting: 11 February 2026

Eluned Jones (Chair, Welsh Government), Megan Nicholas, Jonathan Bee, Morgan Commins, Rose Malleson, Karen Stothard (Welsh Government), Karen Perrow, Katherine Griffith, Lee Murray, Paige Minahan (NRW), Nick Salter (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), Georgia Boston (British Marine Aggregate Producers Association), Julian Whitewright (Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments), Adrian Judd (Cefas), Katie Havard-Smith (Cardiff University), Chloe Wenman, Alex Curd (Marine Conservation Society), Jean-Francois Dulong (Welsh Local Government Association), Jacques Vilemot (Rewilding Britain), Olivia Ross (JNCC), Rosie Kelly (The Crown Estate), Shea Buckland-Jones (WWF), Emily Williams-Slater (RSPB), Jennifer Godwin (Seabed User & Development Group), Claire Stephenson (Associated British Ports), Jim Evans (Welsh Fisherman’s Association)

Chair, Welsh Government

Eluned welcomed new members and guests to the Marine Planning Stakeholder Reference Group (MPSRG) and initiated a round table of introductions. 

Megan Nicholas, Welsh Government

Megan provided an overview of the scoping study to explore marine net benefit (MNB), noting that it aims to explore whether, and how, a MNB approach could be applied in Wales. There is no set definition for MNB in Wales as yet, however it is generally referred to as leaving the marine environment in a better state following development, progressing beyond mitigating adverse impacts to further support marine recovery and resilience, whilst enabling sustainable development. 

Megan emphasised that the commission does not set a precedent for Wales to introduce a MNB policy; however, should Welsh Ministers wish to do so, the study allows Welsh Government to consider in advance how such a concept may be applied in practice.

Megan reflected upon:

• the timelines of the project
• the literature review undertaken as part of the project, which, amongst wider themes, explores how concepts akin to MNB are emerging, embedded, or established within the terrestrial and marine frameworks of other authorities
• the stakeholder engagement process, which progressed beyond the high-level scoping of the literature review to specifically explore how MNB could look in Wales. 

Megan thanked stakeholders for their invaluable feedback during the engagement process.

Megan highlighted that the final report for the project may not be published until a new Government is in place following May’s Senedd election, with the pre-election period beginning in April 2026. Publication of the report will be subject to agreement from the new Government and their priorities. 

Katherine (Kate) Griffith, NRW

Kate reflected on the significance of Section 7 Habitats and Species for enhancing biodiversity in Wales. Recognising this importance, Kate introduced a commission, which NRW are progressing alongside The Crown Estate. The commission aims to update the evidence base underpinning all Section 7 Habitats and Species of Principal Importance to support an improved understanding of opportunities to enhance the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems across Wales.

Kate explained the various work packages associated with the commission. A series of maps will be produced for Section 7 Habitats and Species to outline opportunities for enhancing ecosystem resilience in Wales. The methodology is designed to support an iterative, repeatable approach, which can evolve alongside data and priorities. 

Kate noted that:

• pilot opportunity layers are being developed for Common Seagrass and Native Oyster
• the commission will assist with providing greater clarity on where restoration and enhancement is most feasible and suggest reasons for this distribution
• the commission will produce a transparent method which, upon completion of this work, could be extended to support additional habitats and species

Kate cautioned that the workshops are limited in number to ensure that discussion is focused, manageable, and draws on specialised knowledge. Workshop attendees will be invited to reflect upon their understanding and experience surrounding Section 7 Habitats and Species of Principal Importance. 

Rose Malleson and Karen Stothard, Welsh Government

Karen provided an overview of the Welsh Government’s Environment Principles, Governance, and Biodiversity Targets (Wales) Bill. She noted that the Bill:

• aims to maintain and enhance biodiversity in Wales
• places a new duty on Welsh Ministers to promote awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces
• grants Welsh Ministers power to designate public authorities to take action to contribute to related targets set in regulations
• following scrutiny, has now been passed by the Senedd, and is awaiting Royal Assent
• will employ the principles of the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
• contains a target setting framework, which grants powers to set targets and enforces a duty to meet them. 

Rose and Karen noted that these targets are being developed in collaboration with JNCC, stakeholders, and experts. 

Rose and Karen welcomed further discussion around this work. 

Jennifer Godwin highlighted that the SUDG were, at the time of the meeting, due to publish a final report on strategic marine net gain/net benefit. 

Meeting close.