Key principles that underpin our policy of applying the ecosystem approach to the marine environment are: sustainable development – the needs of future generations should not be compromised by the needs of people today; integrated management – looking at the wider picture so that all those who manage or influence the marine environment work together at all levels with a common understanding; conservation of biological diversity – conserving and enhancing biological diversity within the UK and contributing to the conservation of global biodiversity; robust science – understanding the processes and influences that impact on the marine environment and using research to inform policy-making and marine management; the precautionary principle – sensibly erring on the side of caution where the scientific evidence is not conclusive; and stakeholder involvement – involving all stakeholders so that they are an integral part of the decision-making process.
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