I am getting in touch on behalf of Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Ocean to inform you that the APPG has opened a new inquiry “What can Sustainable Ocean Policy Deliver for the UK?”
We are delighted to invite your organisation to make a submission to this APPG inquiry given your expertise in the topic areas covered. The full terms of reference and questions are outlined below.
The APPG for the Ocean is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers that seeks to provide a collective space where all parliamentarians can support and promote ocean research and awareness, to develop greater understanding of the ocean and its role in tackling challenges such as climate change, and to debate wider ocean issues.
This inquiry will focus on:
- Demonstrating the untapped potential of the ocean in delivering key government priorities.
- Promoting the understanding of the ocean as a driver of innovation.
- Identifying opportunities for policy coherence and cross-departmental collaboration in ocean governance.
- Highlighting the enabling role of marine science, data, and innovation in maximising ocean-based solutions to inform policy making.
- Promoting integrated approaches to marine environmental protection, recognising sustainability as a foundation for future ocean investment.
The questions are divided into the themes the inquiry seeks to explore. You may respond to any or all of the sections that you are relevant to your expertise.
Questions:
- Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy
How can the UK grow a sustainable blue economy that delivers long-term jobs, prosperity, and innovation?
- What is the potential economic value of the UK’s marine industries?
- What are the barriers and opportunities to scaling blue economy sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, marine technology, and coastal tourism?
- What infrastructure and investment are needed to support ocean innovation?
- How can the UK ensure marine conservation and protection is upheld during future ocean initiatives?
- International Leadership
How can the UK maintain and strengthen its leadership in global ocean governance?
- What future role can the UK play in global marine conservation and ocean diplomacy? What is needed to achieve this?
- Does, and if so how, the UK’s international commitments, agreements or frameworks (e.g., UN Ocean Decade, BBNJ Treaty, Commonwealth Blue Charter) support domestic policy?
- How can the UK promote sustainable ocean finance and knowledge-sharing internationally?
- Climate Change and Net Zero
What is the role of the ocean in meeting the UK’s climate and Net Zero goals?
- How can ocean-based climate and net zero solutions (e.g., offshore wind, blue carbon habitats) contribute to the UK’s targets?
- How can sustainable ocean management contribute to the UK’s Net Zero goals and wider environmental targets?
- What is the role of ocean conservation (e.g., marine protected areas, habitat restoration) in building long-term climate resilience?
- How can marine research and science support adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change?
- What are the benefits and challenges to the ocean and coastal waters from human interactions including tourism, leisure cruising and recreation including water sports?
- National Security and Ocean Resilience
How does the ocean contribute to the UK’s national security and resilience?
- What are the emerging risks and threats linked to ocean health and national infrastructure, and how can these be overcome?
- How do ocean observations support the protection of the UK marine assets
The inquiry will close at 23.59 on Friday 18 July. Please send all responses back to this email address at contact@oceanappg.org. Please can you keep all responses limited to 500 words per question.
This inquiry will cover Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the British Overseas Territories. If you have any questions, please contact the secretariat at contact@oceanappg.org.
Kind regards,
Florence Lee
Secretariat for the APPG for the Ocean
