Marine Bill
Posted by Hugo Swire, MP for East Devon, at 11:25, Thu 7 August 2008:
The consultation on the draft Marine Bill closed at midnight 26 June and the full Bill is expected to go before Parliament later this year. This would create a new marine planning and management framework that balances the need for wildlife protection with the requirements of industry around our coasts. As the Member of Parliament for a part of the country that has a beautiful and historic coastline, the progress of this Bill is something that I am taking a very active and keen interest in. There is a real need to foster a good relationship between those who earn a living from the marine environment and those who wish to conserve it and I am fully supportive of the Marine Bill and will continue to push the Government for an effective and strong piece of legislation that will positively benefit the people of East Devon. I am concerned however that the Government has chosen to attach proposals for almost unrestricted coastal access to measures to improve the marine environment. While I am very sympathetic to the idea that people should have increased access to our wonderful coastline, I am not convinced of the need for further legislation. I believe that greater coastal access should be based on voluntary agreements with incentives for landowners alongside appropriate protection for sensitive habitats which may be damaged by open access. Do you feel very strongly about any of the aspects covered in this Bill? Will the Bill impact on your work or livelihood? Are you in favour of or against the legislation to improve coastal access?
Comments
Commenting on this message is now disabled.
Posted by Christian Pilling, 12:43, Thu 7 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
I do worry about the impact of some types of fishing and its impact on the area where its done. If this Marine Bill stops or reduces the Dragging of huge nets across the sea floor then maybe its a good thing.. However I also feel that more legislation is not a good thing. Best regards