Abstract
Executive summary
This stakeholder reflections report explores the perspectives of those engaged with the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (NMP), the UK’s first National Marine Park. It draws on interviews and focus groups conducted between June and December 2024. Drawing on 24 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups, the report examines the aspirations, challenges, and governance of the NMP using the lens of Transformative Ocean Governance.
Participants celebrated the NMP’s role in connecting people to the sea, fostering marine citizenship, and reimagining governance beyond traditional protected area models. Emotional ties to place, strong local champions, and inclusive education programmes were highlighted as key enablers of change. However, several structural and cultural challenges emerged. Stakeholders raised concerns about unclear governance arrangements, short-term funding, and risks of exclusion or symbolic action. Some feared the NMP could become a “paper park” without clear accountability, long-term resourcing, and meaningful community
participation. Despite these concerns, there remains a strong collective vision for a park rooted in inclusivity, equity, and adaptive governance. Participants called for clearer governance frameworks, co-produced policies, sustained funding models, and measurable indicators of success.
This report contributes to ongoing discussions about how National Marine Parks can catalyse more just and sustainable ocean futures in the UK and beyond. It highlights both the transformative potential and the urgent need for reform within emerging marine governance landscapes.
This stakeholder reflections report explores the perspectives of those engaged with the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (NMP), the UK’s first National Marine Park. It draws on interviews and focus groups conducted between June and December 2024. Drawing on 24 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups, the report examines the aspirations, challenges, and governance of the NMP using the lens of Transformative Ocean Governance.
Participants celebrated the NMP’s role in connecting people to the sea, fostering marine citizenship, and reimagining governance beyond traditional protected area models. Emotional ties to place, strong local champions, and inclusive education programmes were highlighted as key enablers of change. However, several structural and cultural challenges emerged. Stakeholders raised concerns about unclear governance arrangements, short-term funding, and risks of exclusion or symbolic action. Some feared the NMP could become a “paper park” without clear accountability, long-term resourcing, and meaningful community
participation. Despite these concerns, there remains a strong collective vision for a park rooted in inclusivity, equity, and adaptive governance. Participants called for clearer governance frameworks, co-produced policies, sustained funding models, and measurable indicators of success.
This report contributes to ongoing discussions about how National Marine Parks can catalyse more just and sustainable ocean futures in the UK and beyond. It highlights both the transformative potential and the urgent need for reform within emerging marine governance landscapes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | University of Plymouth |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2025 |
