This report examines how marine and coastal heritage assets can be managed to enhance their ability to deliver natural capital benefits while preserving their historic significance. Commissioned by Natural England and prepared by JBA Consulting as part of the Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme, it highlights the ecological value of heritage sites and their potential for delivering co-benefits in relationship to the ecosystem services arising from their associated ‘nature’ alongside their heritage significance and cultural capital.
Through a rapid literature review, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary analysis, the study identifies how marine and coastal heritage assets support ecosystem services. This report highlights a range of management approaches that could be implemented to increase co-benefits from these assets. However, challenges such as data gaps, policy limitations and limited interdisciplinary collaboration hinder their effective integration into natural capital frameworks.
The findings emphasise the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, improved data accessibility, and the development of standardised methodologies for assessing heritage and ecological value. Strategies such as bioprotection, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management are explored as mechanisms for enhancing co-benefits.
Additionally, exclusion zones around protected wrecks are recognised as de facto ecological reserves, reinforcing the case for integrated conservation approaches.
The report concludes with recommendations in three key areas: advancing research to establish heritage assets as natural capital contributors, fostering interdisciplinary training and engagement, and developing policy and guidance to support holistic management. The recommendations provide a foundation for future research and policy development, ensuring that heritage management contributes to both the conservation of heritage assets and environmental sustainability.