Management Plan
Photo Credit: Kate Duncan
Since 1994 the members of the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) have come together to produce a Management Plan for the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries. The 5th iteration of the Plan continues to ensure our marine resources are there for everyone, both now and in the future.
This Management Plan provides a framework for managing the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries. It sets out relevant information about the MPA and identifies partnership actions to address pressures and threats to the site.
The Management Plan aims to:
- Maintain and enhance the MPA favourable conservation status through compliance with statutory duties;
- Achieve effective management of the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries, including non-designated areas, through collaboration and safeguarding the sustainable use of the water thereby securing environmental, economic and social benefits for society.
The Plan was signed off by TECF members on the 13th March 2025. Member organisations are now reviewing the Plan before it can be adopted.
The Plan is supported by a Natural Capital Asset and Risk Register which can be found in the Resources Hub.
"Our vision for the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries is a healthy, diverse and resilient environment providing nature-based services to communities and businesses, in return we provide collaborative and transparent management."
Photo Credit: Paul Naylor
Yealm Estuary Management Plan
The Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Management Plan 2025-30 includes the Yealm Estuary, however, as the Yealm is different to the rest of the site, the Yealm Estuary Management Group have developed Yealm specific Actions. These are found within the Estuaries Management Plan, within the South Devon Estuaries Management Plan which covers the five estuaries within the South Devon National Landscape and Heritage Coast.