New hope for our seas
12 November 2009
We’ve been campaigning to achieve it for a decade, and today at last the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act becomes law. For the first time ever, the UK government now has a legal duty to conserve and protect species and habitats in and around our seas.
The UK has a remarkable 20,000km of coastline and our seas teem with life. But many important species and habitats have, until now, been exposed to relentless pressures such as fishing, oil and gas exploitation, mining, and emerging threats from climate change.
Welcoming the new Marine and Coastal Access Act, WWF’s director of campaigns, David Norman, says: “This is a pivotal moment for UK conservation efforts – and it shows what can be achieved through tireless campaigning.
“This long-awaited piece of legislation has the potential to really make a difference to thousands of species. Not just dolphins and sharks, but seahorses, turtles, commercially important fish stocks and lesser-known species like pink sea fans and sunset cup corals.
“It will also provide long-term benefits to many people who rely on healthy, well-managed seas – from fishermen to tourist operators.
“We now have to ensure that current and future governments deliver the intentions behind the Act.”
Why we need the Marine Act
Research into our seas shows that key species and habitats – such as Atlantic salmon, harbour porpoises, deep-water coral reefs, and seagrass beds – have been hit hard, and are still under threat.
Of the 16 flagship UK species and habitats we monitored in 2005, 13 were found to be in decline, and a new investigation this year concluded none were at healthy levels.
What happens now?
On 1 April 2010 the crucial new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will begin its job of managing and championing UK seas. After WWF lobbying, a chief scientific advisor will be appointed to make the MMO’s decision-making more strongly science-based.
In 2011 the government will publish and adopt its Marine Policy Statement, which we believe needs to have clear goals and timescales.
The government has to designate a network of ‘marine conservation zones’ by 2012. It will prepare a statement on this in the New Year.
The Scottish government introduced a Scottish Marine Bill in May 2009 and is currently looking into amendments. Northern Ireland is yet to produce marine legislation – we’re campaigning to ensure this happens urgently.
Being a keen adventurer, yachtsman, and wildlife enthusiast, I wholeheartedly support the need for marine legislation that truly protects the inspiring seascape and species the UK’s seas provide. I’m therefore glad to see that WWF’s hard work campaigning has now achieved its goal, and I look forward to the inevitable benefits the new Marine and Coastal Access Act will bring to all of us.
Ben Fogle
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