Working in partnership
WWF is a member of the Wildlife and Countryside Link Marine Task Force, which is made up of the major conservation organisations such as the RSPB, Marine Conservation Society, WDCS and The Wildlife Trusts. This coalition has been campaigning for changes in marine legislation over a number of years and is focusing on the content of the forthcoming marine bill.
All these organisations and their members joined forces for a joint lobby of Parliament in Westminster in March 2005. It was a resounding success and showed MPs that their constituents really want them to play their part in conservation our marine wildlife.
Stakeholder involvement
It is essential that marine stakeholders - from commercial developers to local fishermen and leisure sea users - have a role in planning and managing our seas if the marine bill is to be a success.
The marine bill gives us an opportunity to set up a formal process for stakeholder involvement. It will enable all those with an interest in the marine environment to provide their expertise and get involved in Marine Spatial Planning at all levels - from coastal communities to key users offshore.