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ECOWind BOWIE Project submission to the DEFRA consultation for the establishment of the Marine Recovery Fund

Summary

The ECOWind BOWIE Project’s submission highlights strong support for the Marine Recovery Fund’s goals, particularly as a mechanism to accelerate offshore wind deployment while ensuring robust environmental compensation. However, the response raises concerns about the clarity, effectiveness, and ecological rigour of current proposals.

The BOWIE team calls for clearer definitions of key terms (like “compensation amount” and “appropriate” mitigation) and more transparent, consistent processes, especially regarding advice and inter-jurisdictional coordination. They stress the importance of robust, science-based monitoring and adaptive management to ensure compensation measures are genuinely effective and not just box-ticking exercises. In conclusion, the response positions the Marine Recovery Fund as a valuable opportunity to balance offshore wind expansion and ecosystem integrity, but it requires careful refinement and a strong focus on adaptive, scientifically-informed management to realise its potential.