Management Plan - North York Moors National Park

EnvironmentHow Management Plan progress will be reportedINDICATORNumber and percentage of waterbodies identified as ‘good’ under theWater Framework DirectiveTARGET / DESIRED DIRECTION OF CHANGEAll appropriate 35 water bodies are identified as ‘good’2.11 Coastal and Marine EnvironmentThe National Park’s eastern boundary comprises 42km ofcoastline comprising valuable marine habitats and outstandingsea views. The communities and cultural heritage of the coastare strongly linked to the tradition of the sea as a way of life.The dramatic coastal scenery along the Park’s eastern boundaryis enhanced by the open skies and seascape adjoining it.Uninterrupted views over the sea can be gained from varioushigh vantage points along the coast, most notably at Ravenscarand Boulby. Work is currently being undertaken nationally onSeascape Characterisation by Natural England and will be a keyelement of Marine Plans in the near future. The presence andquality of the coast attracts many visitors and the seascape addsa major element to the National Park’s character.The National Park’s distinctive coast is largely wild andundeveloped, characterised by undulating sea cliffs and rockyshores, interspersed with small, traditional fishing villages. Thecoast is significant geologically, containing evidence of theJurassic age and the more recent alum,jet and ironstone industries.The marine environment is important for its reefs, is a major craband lobster fishery and supports a wide range of other flora andfauna including marine algae, sponges, sea urchins, starfish andcold water corals. Rocks, boulders and the many shipwrecksprovide ideal habitats for such species. The rocky coastlineand the sea itself are important for seabird populations such askittiwakes, and grey and common seals live in the waters off theNational Park’s coastline.35 Some are thought to be failing due to natural reasonsand it is not possible or desirable to resolve these issuesApproximately half of the coast and shoreline is designated asSites of Special Scientific Interest and the cliffs near to Robins58 www.northyorkmoors.org.uk