Marine Management Organisation workshops for local residents

The MMO will be hosting a series of engagement workshops in Cromer, King’s Lynn and Hunstanton aimed at local residents and those who enjoy marine recreational activities on the North Norfolk coast.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) invites all those who visit, spend time and enjoy the North Norfolk coast to join them in exploring and celebrating the area’s valuable marine environment.

This October MMO is hosting a series of workshops in Cromer, King's Lynn, and Hunstanton. Additionally, online workshops will be available to create more opportunities to participate and contribute. These workshops are designed to help MMO gather valuable insights into how communities engage in recreational activities along the coast and inshore marine area. This will support MMOs future works to protect the area’s precious marine habitats and species for future generations. Places are limited, interested attendees are encouraged to sign up via Eventbrite as soon as possible to secure their place.

• King's Lynn: 15 October, 6pm – 8:30pm
• Hunstanton: 16 October 1:30pm - 4pm

• Cromer: 16 October 6pm – 8:30pm

• Cromer: 17 October 1:30pm – 4pm

• Online Workshop for The Wash and North Norfolk: 4 November 3:30pm - 5pm

• Online Workshop for Cromer: 6 November 3:30 - 5pm

Light refreshments will be available, and each workshop will be facilitated to create an inclusive and comfortable environment for all participants to share their perspectives. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights on how they utilise and appreciate the North Norfolk coastline through activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, powerboating, swimming, kayaking, diving, snorkelling and paddle boarding. This does not include fishing which is managed by other agencies. The valuable insights that will be gathered will help to underscore the social and cultural significance of the area, informing future management decisions and initiatives. This will support MMOs Marine Conservation Team’s work to ensure the diverse values associated with North Norfolk's marine areas are considered in future management decisions regarding recreational activities (excluding fishing) within two inshore marine protected areas (MPAs) off the Norfolk coast:

• Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)

• The Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC

MMO have responsibilities, alongside other governmental bodies, for managing marine non-licensable activities (marine recreation) to further the conservation objectives of marine protected areas within 0-12 nautical miles (nm) in English waters. This includes a requirement to propose and introduce appropriate management measures if required. Jess Churchill-Bissett from MMO comments: “Join us and help us understand the many ways you enjoy your coast. Your invaluable insights will support the long-term protection of North Norfolk's diverse marine ecosystems and contribute to a sustainable future our marine environment.’’