The evolving organisational framework for Integrated Coastal Management in England and Wales

Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) enjoys growing support within the UK. It is therefore timely to assess the factors which have influenced the evolution of the current administrative system and to investigate the extent to which the current organisational arrangements provide a suitable framework within which ICM can develop. Coastal management is indebted to related developments in conservation and environmental management. As a corrective to fragmented and largely sectoral institutional arrangements, limited integrative mechanisms have recently been introduced. Further opportunities arising from the establishment of regional government and with European initiatives should consolidate the establishment of a more integrated coastal management regime.