Speaking today to the Environment Committee, the Marine Task Force advised that even though Northern Ireland has more than 100 laws which govern its seas and coasts, the lack of integration of these laws, as well as risks from pollution, inadequate planning of marine activities and poor protection of marine wildlife and habitats are still slipping through the net. In turn, these problems have an adverse impact on businesses and industries, such as tourism, which rely on our coastline.

Holistic marine legislation would strengthen disparate laws on inshore fisheries management, marine protected areas and create a planning system similar to that which we have on land. A local Marine Management Organisation would give local context to future decision making.

"Northern Ireland has some of the most unique areas of coastline in the UK, supporting many rare species such as the basking shark and very rare sea sponges. Fishing, tourism and leisure industries also depend on healthy seas. It is time to create a framework of legislation which protects and enhances our seas now and in the future," said Eddy Mayhew, Northern Ireland Marine Task Force.

"Today we're calling on the Environment Committee to seize the opportunity to support a piece of legislation which will protect our precious marine environment and make sure it is managed in an integrated way," said Melanie Gomes, Northern Ireland Marine Task Force.