Produced through the EMFF-funded Sustainable Management of Marine Natural Resources (SMMNR) project, the storyboards are available at Marine Evidence packages | GOV.WALES.
For each focus sector, the online storyboards present mapping of natural resources and environmental opportunities and associated sensitivities, supported by commentary on key ecological considerations. The storyboards also provide contextual information on relevant policy, legislation and sources of guidance and an overview of consenting (including key consents and environmental assessments) relevant to the sector.
The SMMNR project received funding through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF, funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government). Over the past three years, it has mapped natural resources and associated ecological sensitivities and considerations in relation to the tidal stream, wave energy and aquaculture sectors. Further information about the project can be found at Sustainable management of marine natural resources | GOV.WALES.
The outputs from this project enhance the evidence base. They do not prescribe where development may or may not progress; specific project level considerations will always be necessary as part of the relevant consenting process.
The SMMR project is part of wider work to develop a spatial approach to implementing the Welsh National Marine Plan, focused on key sectors with growth potential, such as emerging marine renewable energy technologies.