UK government's marine and coastal bill published

Northern Ireland’s marine environment will benefit from new legislation published at Westminster, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson insisted today

The Minister welcomed the publication of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill in Westminster, which will extend in part to Northern Ireland.

The Bill will enable a more strategic approach to be taken to the use of the UK’s marine waters by introducing, among other things, an agreed UK-wide approach to marine planning and a reformed and modernised marine licensing system which will apply in Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “The increasing use of the sea by many competing interests means we must look after our seas for future generations.

“The UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the future sustainability of our marine environment and our European obligations.

“My Department will be developing further marine legislation for Northern Ireland in due course which will complement the UK Bill. In particular, our legislation will focus on how we intend to plan for the sea around Northern Ireland and provide increased protection for the rich diversity of our marine species and habitats.”

The Bill extends to Northern Ireland for certain aspects of marine planning and a reformed marine licensing regime which will be operated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

The Department of the Environment (DOE) will bring forward separate and complementary legislation for marine planning in Northern Ireland’s territorial waters and for increased protection for marine nature conservation.

The Minister said DOE will consider with other Northern Ireland departments with marine functions how best to deliver the new provisions in Northern Ireland.

The Department has established an interdepartmental working group which will take this work forward and is aiming to consult on policy proposals by the end of 2009.

Mr Wilson added: “We will be considering with other Northern Ireland government departments how best to deliver the new provisions here. I am keen for local stakeholders to have their say in this process.

“At the same time, we also want a consistent approach across the UK and we will continue to work with the other UK administrations to ensure that this can be achieved.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The UK Government’s Marine and Coastal Access Bill was included in the Queen’s speech on 3 December 2008 for the forthcoming legislative programme and published on 5 December 2008.
2. The Bill includes the establishment of a new Marine Management Organisation for England which will be a centre of marine expertise; a new marine planning system which will enable a more strategic approach to be taken to the use of our seas; a new network of marine conservation zones; a simpler, more streamlined marine licensing system; better management of fisheries; and a new right of access for people to walk round the English coast for the first time.
3. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 15 December.
4. For further information, contact Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0003 and out-of-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.