Management Plan - North York Moors National Park

Hood’s Bay are designated internationally as a Special Areaof Conservation, with the inshore waters there defined asa Sensitive Marine Area. Cliffs and slopes, rocky shore andmarine sub-tidal areas are identified as priority habitats inthe North York Moors Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Theentire coastline is defined as Heritage Coast for its naturalenvironment, landscape and opportunities for recreation.There are three bathing beaches as defined by the BathingWater Directive in the National Park - Staithes, Runswick Bayand Robin Hood’s Bay. With the exception of Staithes theyhave regularly passed the bathing water quality assessmentsto date. Problems at Staithes are thought to be caused by anumber of factors not least of which is the fact that the samplepoint is within the harbour wall. The Bathing Water Directive 36requires all bathing waters to be ‘sufficient’ by 2015.The 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act changes themanagement of the marine environment. Amongst otherprovisions, the Act will lead to the establishment of MarineConservation Zones, and the marine area around RunswickBay has been proposed for designation. The MarineManagement Organisation is responsible for planning andlicensing in the marine area. The Marine Strategy FrameworkDirective aims to achieve Good Environmental Status ofEurope’s seas by 2020.A significant problem for many coastal and marine areas islitter, either from beach users or that is washed up from thesea. The coastline of the North York Moors is no exceptionand there are many instances of material, in particular plastics,washing up on the beaches. One of the requirements of theMarine Strategy Framework Directive is to ensure that litterdoes not cause harm to the marine environment.Integrated Coastal Zone Management is an internationallyrecognised method of managing the coastal zone. The variedinterests of many agencies and local interest groups on thecoast of the National Park are represented through the NorthYorkshire and Cleveland Coastal Forum. The River Tyne toFlamborough Head Shoreline Management Plan 2 sets out thepolicies in relation to coastal management.Challenges● The Bathing Water Directive requires all bathing water,including inshore waters up to a mile out to sea, to achieve‘sufficient’ status by 2015.● Continuing demand for recreational activities such aswalking.● Pressure for development related to aquaculture.● The need for alternative and sustainable forms of energysuch as wave and tidal energy.● Sea level rise may lead to coastal adjustment and cliff lineretreat.● Increased storminess brought about by climate changemay exacerbate coastal erosion processes.In 15 Years Time…The marine environment is healthy and supports sustainablefisheries, and bathing waters are in good condition.36 Directive 2006/7/ECNorth York Moors National Park Management Plan59