Natura 2000 network was implemented in Poland in 2004. Under current legislation, it is required to preserve or restore „favourable conservation status” of species and habitats within Natura 2000 sites by introducing appropriate "protection measures". Such measures for marine areas are protection and management plans. Elaboration of that documents for two sites of the Puck Bay area: PLB220005 and PLH220032 started in 2011 and was carried out for 38 months. Public consultations were one of its crucial element. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of public consultations as a part of the conservation planning process in the Puck Bay area and conflicts analysis. Surprisingly, wide public participation, even though it was a difficult process, undoubtedly brought benefits, on both social and environmental fields.