The UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive have identified the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network as a key tool for achieving domestic and international targets and commitments. However, while the MPA networks in England and Northern Ireland are well established, and continue to expand, there are questions over how effectively they are being managed and monitored.
Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) were commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to conduct an evaluation of the status of the MPA network in England and Northern Ireland. The project looked at how the network is managed, monitored, and to what extent they contribute towards key statutory targets and commitments, through an extensive literature review, and interviews and a workshop with key stakeholders. This project builds on our foundational work under the OEP’s marine programme, including the call for evidence on Good Environmental Status.
This report was originally published in April 2025, and updated by HMC in December 2025 with minor corrections to provide further clarity following additional comments received after publication. We have published an updated version of the report dated December 2025, alongside a correction slip which details the amendments made.
Disclaimer
This report was compiled by HMC on behalf of the OEP. The views expressed in this report are those of HMC, not the OEP.