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Draft UK Marine Bill published
New marine nature reserves around Britain’s coast are among plans published today (April 3, 2008) by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.
A new network of marine conservation zones, for species and habitats of national importance, are also promised to be put in place by 2012 under new powers contained in the government’s draft Marine Bill. The zones will have clear conservation objectives, to protect habitats and species of national importance, ensuring that some types of fishing, dredging or other forms of development do not damage them. Measures to give people the freedom to walk round the English coast for the first time are also included.
Hilary Benn said “Our seas are already showing the effects of climate change and with increasing use of the sea by many competing interests we must make sure that the marine environment can cope with changing conditions. We have a duty to look after our seas for future generations.
Jonathan Shaw, Marine and Fisheries Minister, added : "The draft Marine Bill is a major step forward in marine protection and planning. It will benefit all who make a living from the sea by helping to get the most we can from it in a sustainable way while protecting precious resources.”
Some key issues covered are:
- the creation of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO);
- licensing activities in the marine area;
- marine nature conservation;
- managing marine fisheries;
- modernisation and streamlining of enforcement powers;
- access to coastal land.
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