State of the Sound

Marine Social Science Research Unit
Plymouth Sound on a sunny day
Title: State of the Sound
Funder and duration: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and partners
Lead partner: University of Plymouth
Location: Plymouth Sound,UK.
University of Plymouth staff: Dr Sian Rees, Mr Tom Mullier, Kizzy Beaumont 
The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park was formally launched in 2019, with support from the UK Government’s Environment Secretary. This was coupled with a declaration of intent from Plymouth City Council to work together for public benefit: 

The National Marine Park has been developed collaboratively, declared locally, and delivered through a spirit of opportunity…. We will become the UK’s first National Marine Park and be a proving ground for others to follow this innovative new approach. This declaration signals a citywide commitment to work with Government, stakeholders and citizens to develop a blueprint for National Marine Parks that can be replicated nationwide.

The vision for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is “Our National Marine Park will value the environment, heritage and economy of Plymouth Sound and its estuaries. It is where people and planet will come together to realise a new, sustainable relationship with the sea.” In this research project we identify data sets (indicators) that could be used to evaluate the interaction between the declaration of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park with the intended (and potential) ecological, economic and social outcomes. 

Full report 

(Available on request) 
Rees, S.E., Ashley, M., Beaumont, K., Mullier, T. 2023. State of the Sound, Final Report - Using Natural Capital and Ecosystem Service Indicators to demonstrate the quality and quantity of natural assets in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the social and economic benefits provided to society. A report to Plymouth City Council by research staff at the University of Plymouth. Pp 41
Aerial view of Plymouth Sound
Aerial view of Plymouth Sound

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