The PWP was involved in a nation-wide coastal survey carried our by ATKINS on behalf of DEFRA who are the government department responsible for amongst other things, the UK coastline and its management and control. The involvement of the PWP ensured that the rights and interests of users were protected.

This was a very extensive study and culminated in DEFRA saying that in the case of PW that they were happy to recommend that authorities adopt the management programmes in the PW management guide published by the BMF & RYA. This guide is recognised as the world's best and its reccommendations have been adopted by other countries.

As a matter of interest, if, for example, Spain had adopted the UK Management Programmes, they would not have seen the PW market and craft use cut by over fifty percent due to government regulations being imposed!