Approval for UK Marine & Coastal Access Bill

Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “This marks a momentous day for UK seas, their precious wildlife and habitats, and our coastal communities. In the time it’s taken to introduce this legislation, the impacts of climate change have amplified the many pressures already taking their toll on marine biodiversity. Now, after ten years of campaigning, we finally have an opportunity to reverse the decline of our seas and we urge the UK Government to waste no time in introducing the Marine & Coastal Access Bill into Parliament.” Natasha Barker adds: “The UK Marine & Coastal Access Bill must simplify, not complicate the way we look after our seas. It is critical that the UK Government continues to work with devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure co-ordination across our borders. We must also connect the land and sea to ensure future marine plans take into account terrestrial activities and improve management of our coastline.” “The commitment to a UK Marine & Coastal Access Bill is a considerable achievement. As the Bill passes through Parliament, we now have a final window of opportunity to influence this legislation and ensure it is truly effective in safeguarding our magnificent seas for years to come. The next few months are going to be critical in shaping the UK and forthcoming Scottish Marine Bills into leading pieces of legislation for other European countries to follow.”