WWF-UK welcomes the findings of the joint committee report on the Draft Marine Bill which have been published yesterday.
The report raises important points about the need to strengthen the provisions of the Marine Bill to ensure our seas are managed sustainably.
WWF welcomes the recommendation for clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and in particular its relationship with the Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC). WWF is concerned that there is currently no role foreseen for the MMO in oil and gas licensing, renewable energy developments over 100MW and major port infrastructure projects. This may compromise its ability to safeguard our seas from the impacts of human activities.
Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “WWF supports the Committee's recommendation that the MMO should be responsible for leading the delivery of sustainable development in UK seas, but to do this effectively it needs to have responsibility for the licensing of major infrastructure projects in the marine environment.
“The Marine Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation for the UK, and could provide much needed protection for nationally important species and habitats. It is imperative that the Government addresses the concerns highlighted by the Joint Committee as a matter of urgency to ensure our seas gain the protection they so urgently require.
"The next few months will be a critical time for ensuring the delivery of robust and integrated marine legislation for the whole of the UK. WWF looks forward to working with the Government and devolved administrations to ensure the Marine Bill is not delayed and is fit for purpose.”
