Arlene Foster said that the proposals would put in place a new fit for purpose framework to manage the marine environment, based on a system of marine planning that will balance conservation, energy and resource needs.
The Minister’s announcement comes as the UK Government publishes its draft Marine Bill for consultation. Commenting on the proposals, Arlene Foster said:“Northern Ireland has a valuable marine environment which it is vital to protect. In line with the rest of the UK, I am pleased to announce that I have secured the Executive’s approval in bringing forward these proposals. Similar to those included in the UK Government’s Bill, these will cover areas including marine planning, licensing and marine nature conservation. They will also consider the best way of delivering the new proposals in Northern Ireland.”
The new legislation will introduce a strategic and holistic approach to the management of the marine environment which has not existed before and which will benefit all users of the sea whilst providing the necessary level of protection for important marine species and habitats.
The Minister continued: “Those who wish to exploit the marine environment in a sustainable way, whilst protecting precious resources, should be encouraged. I intend to deliver my proposals using a combination of the Westminster legislation and a Northern Ireland Assembly Bill which will be prepared following a period of policy development and consultation to provide the opportunity for full engagement by local stakeholders. I also want to take them forward in partnership with the other Ministers on whose Departments they impact so that we all have ownership of, and responsibility for, the management of this shared resource.”
Notes to Editors:
- The UK Government’s draft Marine Bill was published for consultation on 3 April. The Bill includes provisions for marine planning, marine licensing, marine nature conservation, marine fisheries, the establishment of a Marine Management Organisation, migratory and freshwater fisheries and coastal access.
- The draft Bill applies across the UK and its territorial extent is in line with the current devolution settlement.
- Northern Ireland is included in the draft Bill for the Marine Policy Statement (one of the two aspects of marine planning) which will cover the whole of the UK’s waters. It is also included for reformed marine licensing although amendments to harbours legislation will not apply in Northern Ireland.
- With the exception of coastal access which is not being considered in Northern Ireland at this time, and marine fisheries which is a matter for the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, all other aspects will be considered in the context of local policy development and consultation culminating in a Northern Ireland Assembly Bill in due course.
- The draft Marine Bill is available on the defra website at www.defra.gov.uk and the DOE website
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