This national framework aims to promote common understanding of the vision for National Marine Parks across Britain. The aims of an individual National Marine Park (NMP) may differ depending on the particular coastal and marine features, designations, uses and socio-economics of the local area. However, underpinning any NMP should be a common understanding of what the status means. An accepted purpose and common objectives will guide how NMPs are established, designed and delivered. Blue Marine has initiated the following framework in consultation with a strategic working group and location facilitators, to offer a definition, and propose the purpose and objectives for NMPs. A set of principles and example aims, that can be used to guide communities seeking to establish a NMP, also offer standards associated with the status.