UK Government and its commitment to the Marine Bill

This coming November, all eyes will be on the Queen's Speech to see whether or not the Government view the Marine Bill as a priority commitment for the coming year. This crucial piece of legislation has been years in the making, however over the last two years the UK Government has committed to a Marine Bill and issued its first public consultation back in 2006. After a 12 week period this consultation was closed and was followed by a lengthy process of consultation, meetings and discussion, before earlier this year when we saw a second consultation on the Marine Bill White Paper. Now, members of the conservation field wait with baited breathe for a clear indication from Government that we are, at last, about to get the protective legislation we have all been waiting for, and which the marine environment so desperately needs and deserves.

The Marine Bill really does present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the UK Government. Never before has a country attempted to put into place comprehensive protection legislation for the marine environment. The Government is currently working on the Marine Bill to introduce new laws protecting marine habitats and wildlife. The Marine Bill would also bring in more effective ways of planning and managing activities at sea, from fishing to wind farms. Through better licensing, marine spatial planning, marine nature conservation, reformed fisheries and creation of a marine management organisation we hope that the marine bill will achieve the Governments goal of "clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas".

However, whilst the Marine Bill White Paper talked of the creation of Marine Conservation Zones, reformed Sea Fisheries Committees and better management regimes, unless we see a commitment to the Marine Bill in this years Queen's Speech we will be concerned that the promises made are once again slipping behind schedule - the whales, dolphins and porpoises which have been promised greater protection through the coming legislation will have to wait longer still until we act to protect their habitat, food supply and the greater environment in which they live.

Marine Connection responded in detail to the Government's consultation on the Marine Bill White Paper and we have been working alongside many other non-government organisations in keeping this subject high on both the public and political agenda. We do however need your help to ensure that the Marine Bill is included in the Queen's Speech and to prevent the timetable for delivery slipping further. We urge you to write to your local MP and the Minister, Jonathan Shaw MP, expressing your concerns about the timetable of delivery and asking to see commitment to the Marine Bill in the Queen's Speech. Your letter need not be long and will have more impact if you personalise it with your own views, therefore include why you care about the marine environment.

There has been much debate and discussion on the Marine Bill, with the consultation with stakeholders lasting over two years - NOW we want a Marine Bill - It is time for the Government to act.

Take Action

Click here for further information on our Marine Bill Campaign and how you can help.