7.—(1) In taking such steps as are necessary for the purpose of compliance with regulation 6(1)(a), the competent authorities must exercise their functions under these Regulations so as to secure consistency in relation to the development of a marine strategy in the marine strategy area, and carry out such co-ordination amongst themselves as is necessary for the purpose of securing such consistency.
(2) A devolved policy authority must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for inclusion within the proposals required by regulation 6(1)(a) of any proposal which affects or is likely to affect the exercise of any retained function.
(3) Before adopting or revising any element of the marine strategy which affects or is likely to affect the exercise of any devolved function, the Secretary of State must obtain the consent of the relevant devolved policy authority.