Permit View on Statement 1: Decision-making UK Govt policy objectives include: overarching goal of a better quality of life for all through the sustainable development of the marine environment. Decisions made within frameworks of: Domestic controls, EU law and International obligations Protection of the marine environment Decision-making is overcomplicated, complex, confusing ! Different industries controlled in different ways under different legislation, Developed piecemeal of number of years UK Govt committed to better regulation includes legislative and administrative simplification Marine Bill, reform of licensing, regulators work together towards more holistic long term approach, transparent, faster & more efficient licensing. Decision-making & taking 10 yrs from project-initiative to permit ! Atypical Engaging stakeholders and regulators

Permit View on Statement 2: Monitoring Environmental monitoring is vital Test conclusions and predictions made in ES and establish actual impacts of a project Ensure compliance with licence conditions There is a Danger! Monitoring ‘done for the sake of it’ Standard list of monitoring Monitoring needs: Clear purpose, case by case, appropriate Targeted, development of testable hypothesis and a sampling design to test them. Review and Feedback Information gained should be used to assess and modify management actions Inform future management decisions Project operations and licence review, relax or remove conditions or strengthen them