Lobbyists seek to turn the tide on future of Marine Bill

13th May, 2009

The future of the UK’s impressive marine wildlife, including bottle-nosed dolphins, seahorses and corals, will remain under threat if forthcoming legislation isn’t strengthened.  That’s the view of four organisations sending delegates to Westminster today [Wednesday 13 May] to lobby for increased protection for marine wildlife within the Marine and Coastal Access Bill currently going through Parliament.

In response to the threat from human activities - including development - The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, the Marine Conservation Society and WWF have been calling for comprehensive legislation to protect our marine environment for nearly a decade.

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill should provide a salvation for marine wildlife: yet serious weaknesses remain. The current draft contains no guarantees that the most important areas for marine wildlife will be adequately protected.

With the Bill about to enter the final phase of Parliamentary debates before it passes into law later this year, the coalition of conservation groups recognise this is the last chance to effect the necessary changes to strengthen its ability to protect the marine environment.

The groups are seeking three key changes to the legislation:
• The inclusion of a clear duty to designate Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) for the protection of the full range of marine wildlife or habitats.
• Amendment of the Bill to ensure that individual MCZs contribute to an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas, which must also include some ‘highly protected’ sites.
• The removal of the clause that states socio-economic factors (such as fishing) can be taken into account when deciding whether or not to designate an MCZ.

Joan Edwards, head of marine policy for The Wildlife Trusts, commented:

“The Wildlife Trusts have campaigned for more than a decade for new laws to protect the UK’s amazing marine life. At long last, the Marine and Coastal Access Bill is passing through Parliament - but the Bill needs to be much stronger if it is really going to make a difference for our seas and sea life.

“It is literally ‘make or break’ time. With this Bill we have a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. If our campaign succeeds, we will get the Bill we so urgently need and our seas will be protected and start to recover their health.

“If we fail, the state of our seas will continue on its downward spiral. We need to ensure that the Bill delivers effective protection for the marine environment.”

Martin Harper is the head of sustainable development for the RSPB.  He said:

“Given that the seas around our islands have shaped our history and geography, the UK has a lacklustre record on the protection of our marine natural heritage.

“Our seas contain some of the most impressive wildlife on earth, including ancient cold-water coral reefs, the world’s second largest fish and some of the world’s largest seabird populations. But none of these treasures has the complete protection they deserve.
“Considering this immense natural wealth, it is staggering to think that the UK only has paltry set of three marine nature reserves.”

Poor drafting of the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act has resulted in only three marine sites ever being designated under this legislation in nearly 30 years.

Melissa Moore, senior policy officer with the Marine Conservation Society, said:

“MPs and Peers have a unique opportunity right now to strengthen the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. Let's hope they have got the guts to deliver the protection the British public want.”

Natasha Barker, WWF UK’s senior marine policy officer, said:

“The government says it has a vision of ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas and oceans’. Unfortunately, the new Marine and Coastal Access Bill doesn’t go far enough towards guaranteeing this future for our seas. Today people from around the UK will demand better protection for our marine species and habitats. It’s vital MPs listen to their calls and ensure that the new marine legislation is strengthened.”

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is currently being scrutinized by Peers in the House of Lords before the Bill begins its passage in the House of Commons within weeks.

The UK’s coastline is home to a fantastic array of species, including: 18 exclusively marine species of seabird, including puffin, gannet, kittiwake and guillemot; the world’s second largest fish – the basking shark; more than half of the world’s grey seals; two dozen species of whale and dolphin, innumerable corals and two types of seahorse.

Story by RSWT

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