UK Marine Bill White Paper launch

On the 15th March 2007, the Government published a White Paper setting out its plans for the Marine Bill - an important step towards better protection of our seas.

Marine Connection has been campaigning for better protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their associated environment and we embrace the opportunities presented to us in the Marine Bill and particularly welcome the publication of the Marine White Paper.

The seas are poorly protected compared to terrestrial habitats and are under increasing pressure as offshore activities proliferate and climate change alters the marine ecosystem. This new legislation is needed to bridge the gap between protection of wildlife on land and at sea, and to bring greater coherence to the planning activities which take place in the marine environment.

The white paper sets out the policy that will provide us with a marine planning system, streamlined regulatory regimes for licensing, new mechanisms for marine nature conservation, a marine management organisation (MMO) and new arrangements for inshore fisheries and related environmental enforcement.

Lissa Goodwin, Fisheries & Policy Officer for Marine Connection commented "It is now essential that the proposals within the White Paper, including species protection measures, Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ), and better management of our inshore fisheries are translated into legislation and that the Marine Bill features in this year's Queen's Speech."

"We welcome the government's commitment to better protection, regulation and enforcement in the Marine environment; however it is now imperative that we do not allow the timetable to slip and we bring forth a comprehensive Marine Act in the 2007/08 parliamentary session."

The Marine Bill is a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the conservation and management of our seas, and continued support for it will be crucial. We therefore welcomed the broad support for new marine legislation from all political parties.

The progress of this Bill will now depend as much on political will as on the undoubtedly excellent case - social and economic as well as environmental - for new legislation.

The consultation on the White Paper will close on the 8 June 2007. Marine Connection will respond in detail however we still need your help! This is a one-off opportunity to make a difference and improve the way we currently manage and conserve our seas, and your support is paramount.