Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the Welsh Government's progress to address gaps in the network of marine protected areas?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs | Answered on 04/07/2025
The Marine Protected Area Network Completion Programme continues to progress, with a core element of this being the proposal to designate further Marine Conservation Zones in response to shortfalls within our network.
Welsh Government have appointed a contractor to undertake the first iteration of the Regulatory Impact Assessment which is fundamental before a consultation can be considered. This is a complex undertaking and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
A consultation on the proposed sites is expected next year.