3/12/2008

Welsh seas and their precious wildlife and habitats could be better protected from damaging activities as one of the most important pieces of marine legislation came a step nearer today, said WWF Cymru.

Today , as announced in the Queen’s speech, the UK Government has agreed to introduce a full UK Marine Bill in the next Parliamentary session.

This historic landmark in legislation will ensure that Welsh seas will gain effective protection from damaging activities, said
Dr Lyndsey Dodds, Marine Policy Officer for WWF Cymru.

“Today marks a momentous day for Welsh seas, their precious wildlife and habitats, and not least for our coastal communities. In the time it’s taken to introduce a Marine Bill, the impacts of climate change have amplified the many pressures already taking their toll on marine biodiversity.

"Now we finally have an opportunity to reverse our seas
decline and urge the Government to waste no time in introducing this Bill into Parliament.�

Dr Lyndsey Dodds continues: "At this time it is vitally important for Welsh seas that the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Government maintain dialogue and cooperative working in order to implement an integrated UK approach to marine management and conservation through the Marine Bill and devolved legislation.

"Neither is there any sense in drawing a line along the shore. We must connect the land and sea and ensure future marine plans take into account terrestrial activities and their impact on our coastline."

As well as establishing a network of marine protected areas to
safeguard important species and habitats such as long snouted sea horses and seagrass beds, the UK Marine Bill could simplify our activities at sea by establishing detailed marine plans to guide sea users.

In an area like the Menai Strait, for example, this would ensure that future aquaculture developments or novel fisheries projects do not come into conflict with recreational uses or upset the balance of the ecosystem by altering environmental conditions or introducing non native species to sensitive areas.

WWF asserts that that these marine plans must extend around the whole of the UK coastline and stretch across the borders
between England and Wales if they are to be fully effective in
protecting our seas.

Dr Lyndsey Dodds adds: “The introduction of a UK Marine Bill is a considerable achievement but we now have a final window of opportunity to influence this legislation and ensure it is truly effective in safeguarding Welsh seas for years to come.�

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB Conservation Director, said: "For too long the marine environment has been the Cinderella of wildlife protection.

"The UK's seas are internationally important for marine wildlife, including seabirds, whales, fish and corals.

"Despite this importance, the conservation movement has been waiting for decades for adequate protection. This has been a manifesto commitment for several years, and we trust that the legislation will not be watered down before it reaches Royal Assent."

Wales hosts internationally important seabird populations, including around a third of the world's Manx shearwaters, and the world's third largest colony of Northern gannets, at the RSPB's Grassholm Island.

Annie Smith, RSPB Cymru Marine Policy Officer, said: "We have enjoyed the riches of our seas for many years, but marine wildlife has paid the ever-increasing price for this exploitation.

"Our wildlife-rich seas are threatened by increasing pressures from human activities, such as overfishing, dredging, and offshore development, coupled with the pervasive threat of climate change.

"In future, we will look to harness our marine resources for energy-generation, recreation and further development. We trust this new legislation will protect the natural wealth of our marine environment while providing a framework for the
sustainable use of our seas."