Weekly Intelligence Brief

Marine and Coastal Access Bill receives Royal Assent

4 December 2009

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill recently received Royal Assent, resulting in creation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

The Government has agreed a UK-wide approach to marine planning with the Devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with more functions executively devolved to Scottish and Welsh Ministers and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland. The Marine and Coastal Access Act covers England’s inshore waters and off shore waters around the UK.  Many of its provisions also apply to Wales. The Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive are producing similar legislation.

The Act will create a new marine planning system. It is designed to bring together the conservation, social and economic needs of seas, according to DEFRA.

A network of Marine Conservation Zones will be created that will protect rare and threatened species and habitats.  Four regional projects have started working with local groups and businesses to identify which areas will be designated as Marine Conservation Zones.

Businesses will also benefit from a more streamlined consenting and licensing system through the creation of the Marine Management Organisation. A new range of sanctions will also provide a more flexible approach to marine environment enforcement.

The new Marine Management Organisation, a centre for professional and proactive marine management to be based in Newcastle, will regulate development and activity at sea and enforce environmental protection laws.

Read more:

Marine and Coastal Access Bill: http://social.tidaltoday.com/search/node/Marine+and+Coastal+Access+Bill

DEFRA: http://social.tidaltoday.com/search/node/DEFRA