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| Cornwall's coast - fishing - environment - shipping - bio-diversity - leisure - tourism |
About to go online tomorrow - a chance for all those involve to participate in the future of Cornwall's maritime role. Worth going to the page on the web site to see some of the comments that this article has already received!
The future of Cornwall's delicate coastline and seas is being mapped out in a maritime strategy aimed at safeguarding marine enterprises worth £485 million – and protecting the environment.
The draft maritime strategy is the brainchild of Cornwall Council which is launching a consultation on the future of Cornwall's coast, seas and vital maritime sectors. Andy Brigden, the council's maritime manager said the strategy would look at the challenges and opportunities facing those who rely on the county's maritime heritage to make a living. He said: "The strategy will guide the future direction of work, increase the recognition of the importance of the maritime sector and respond to the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. "We hope anyone who works, lives or plays on the sea or around our coast will take the time to look at this consultation and let us know their views."
Paul Wickes, chief executive of the Cornwall Marine Network, said the maritime business sector contributed £485 million to the county's economy and supported 14,000 jobs. "The development potential of Cornwall's maritime sector, from the world-class reputation for ship repairs on the world's busiest shipping lane, super-yacht manufacture and the fast-emerging opportunities for developing Cornwall as a world leader in marine renewable energy production, all contribute to the region's future long-term prosperity," he said. Included in the study will be everything from boatbuilding to marine renewable energy, surfing to fishing and tourism. Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall said people were attracted to the county because of its beautiful marine environment. He said: "Tourism is central to Cornwall's economy; we attract around 4.5 million visitors annually, who spend £1.4 billion and support directly and indirectly over 53,000 jobs around 20 per cent of all employment. Our marine and coastal environment, landscape and activities are a key factor in people choosing Cornwall, which has been voted best UK destination three years in a row."
Philippa Hoskin, the council's maritime environment officer, said the strategy would also look at key environmental issues. She said: "The sheer diversity of maritime wildlife makes Cornish waters a biodiversity hotspot, demonstrated in the number of nature conservation and landscape designations covering the sheltered muddy creeks of our estuaries, rugged granite cliffs, rocky reefs, islands and beaches to more specialist habitats such as the ancient maerl beds – the Cornish equivalent of a coral reef – all supporting an amazing array of species including commercially important fish and shellfish."
The draft Cornwall Maritime Strategy and questionnaire will be available online from December 7 to January 18 at www.cornwall.gov.uk/maritimestrategy. Paper copies will be available in each of the Council's One Stop Shops or copies can be requested by phoning 0300 1234141.
