2025-2026, Strategic Net Gain Task and Finish Group, Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme (OWEC), Piloting Strategic Marine Net Gain in the East Marine Plan area series https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=015_f8c40ac1-294b-40b9-a147-b5dc216b695b In 2021, a Task and Finish Group (T&F Group) was established with funding from the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) Programme to conduct extensive evidence and research gathering, aimed at supporting the effective delivery of Marine Net Gain (MNG) and maximising the impact of future net gain obligations. Since the T&F Group’s establishment, two phases of work have been completed; Phase one examined the current state of marine and coastal environments nationally, and through extensive stakeholder consultation identified a set of strategic MNG targets that could have the greatest impact in reversing marine and intertidal biodiversity loss. Phase two examined a range of restoration and conservation efforts around the UK, as well as estimated future demand for MNG. This work aimed to understand the successes, failures and challenges of initiatives, in order to refine the strategic MNG targets. In 2025, a third phase was undertaken that focused on applying the strategic MNG targets at a local level within the East Marine Plan (EMP) areas. Across all phases of the work, a consistent conclusion has emerged: a strategic approach to MNG is essential to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the marine environment. This phase, consistent with previous work, presents two Evidence and Research Gathering reports, and a Final Report that includes a package of recommendations intended to be considered collectively by Defra and other stakeholders. The recommendations aim to ensure that any future MNG policy is industry-backed, evidence-based, and supported by those directly and indirectly affected by its implementation. 20260223T10:04:26