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The Marine Acts and our amazing seas
The sea life around the coast of the UK is just as colourful, fascinating and beautiful as that found anywhere else in the world. Our underwater landscapes are teeming with life and are amazingly varied, from rocky reefs and muddy bottoms, to deep-water channels and sea-grass meadows. They support everything from valuable fish stocks to delicate jewel-like anemones and giant basking sharks, leatherback turtles and seals. The wealth of our seas lies in their diversity.
How the Marine Acts will help...
The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act became law on November 12th 09. This followed a long campaign led by the Marine Conservation Society, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF and other charities working together under the umbrella group Wildlife & Countryside Link.
MCS, with other charity partners, also campaigned for the Marine (Scotland) Act, enacted 10th March 2010.
In summary, the UK Marine & Coastal Access Act commits the UK to an ambitious new approach to managing the marine environment that will include establishing Marine Conservation Zones, a Marine Planning system, inshore fisheries reform, streamlining of licensing, establishment of a Marine Management Organisation (for England and UK matters) and coastal access provisions.
- A network of Marine Conservation Zones will be established that will protect nationally important habitats and species such as eelgrass beds, seahorses and sea fans. Vote for where you would like to see a site at www.yourseasyourvoice.com
- A Marine Planning system will enable forward planning of all marine activities for the first time. A UK Marine Policy Statement will be produced and regional marine plans throughout UK waters.
- Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities will replace Sea Fisheries Committees and they will have improved regulation tools.
- A Marine Management Organisation is being established that will be responsible for Marine Planning, licensing and fisheries. It will be based in Newcastle.
- Licensing will be reformed and simplified making it easier for industry and civil servants
- Coastal Access will be provided with one footpath around the whole of England. This will primarily be along the open coast.
Please return to these pages for further information on the Marine Act, as they will be updated with additional literature soon.
Further details http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/legislation/index.htm
For more information on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
