The Rivers Trust and the Coastal Partnerships Network have recently begun a 16-month project, funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), to support a more an integrated and collaborative approach to the management of estuarine and coastal waters nationwide. The Wholescape Approach to Marine Management ‘WAMM’ project will help support a more collaborative approach between Coastal and Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) partnerships and, through training workshops and webinars, build knowledge and expertise across a range of issues.

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A key aim of WAMM is that more holistic and collaborative project delivery, supported by a range of stakeholders and drawing upon a diverse range of funding sources, is realised. Morecambe Bay has been selected as the primary pilot study location. The Morecambe Bay Coastal Partnership and the three CaBA Partnerships encompassing the Bay catchment (led by Lune, South Cumbria and Wyre Rivers Trusts respectively) have begun a programme of collaborative working with a focus upon plastics and their presence within the coastal and estuarine environment. WAMM will also develop a roadmap to collaborative working which will identify the means to overcome perceived barriers and identify the opportunities and benefits of a partnership approach.

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Workshops in the North East (York) and South East (London) were held at the beginning of 2020, to bring coastal and catchment partnerships together. Due to Covid-19, the North West (Chester) and South West (Exeter) workshops will be rescheduled in due course.

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