The organisations will host a fringe event at Plaid Cymru's Conference in Carmarthen tomorrow (25 February), to emphasise that new tools, systems and frameworks are required to ensure that the rich marine resources of Wales, which make a significant contribution to the Welsh economy, are sustainably managed.

Currently, hundreds of different laws and policies govern our seas, plus countless agreements and codes of conduct, which cause conflict and confusion. A strong legislative framework through the forthcoming Marine Bill will be crucial to reducing these problems, without which ineffective marine management will continue to threaten the future sustainability of this very important resource.

The new Government of Wales Act will enable the Welsh Assembly Government to have increased influence over the Welsh Territorial Sea, to ensure the safety of our seas and to halt the degrading of our fish stocks and marine life.

"Plaid Cymru needs to understand the huge economic, social and environmental implications of these issues, and develop policies accordingly. It will need to discuss how the new Act will provide WAG with powers to manage Wales's marine environment" said Morgan Parry, Head of WWF Cymru.

"WWF has called for this Marine Act to ensure our marine environment is protected for generations to come", he added

The Marine Act will be one of the first pieces of legislation that WAG will pass and enforce with their new powers under the Government of Wales Act – should they choose to embrace this it will enable them to take responsibility for Wales's beautiful coastline and seas.

Chris Mills, Director, Environment Agency Wales said, "We welcome the opportunity to work together to ensure the future of Wales' beautiful and distinct coastline. Our Marine State of the Environment Report, which we launched last year, leaves us in no doubt that we need to take action to protect our marine environment for future generations."