Review of progress

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has completed its Committee Stage in the House of Commons. The final steps, the Report Stage and Third Reading will be in October. It will then become law.

So, where are we now?

In our view, Government has frustrated the very reasonable and responsible ambitions of those moving the amendments. Our concerns are that Government has refused to include ‘on the face of the Bill’

• highly protected marine reserves
• scientific criteria as the primary means for identifying and designating marine conservation zones (MCZs)
• establishing conservation zones covering a sufficient area of the sea to enable economic and social uses of the seas to be environmentally sustainable.

These sticking points confirm some of the more depressing conclusions we have drawn from the experience so far, namely that in government there is

• a failure to appreciate the seriousness of the problem
• an overwhelming desire not to prejudice short term financial and other vested interests, and
• a general lack of vision as to what is possible in terms of ecosystem restoration in UK territorial waters

However, we can offer two cheers as they have accepted that the network of MCZs should

• be set up in an initial form by 2012, and
• be ecologically coherent

We are promoting an amendment at the Report stage. This is intended to remedy some of the problems caused by the omissions. As things stand, a marine conservation zone is little more than a museum whose job is to exhibit interesting habitats or species. We want it to be clear that the role of MCZs can also be an engine of ecosystem recovery. The lack of this expectation in the new law will, in our view, lead to a continuance of the collapse of fish stocks and the ecosystem which supports them.

What has happened to the Early Day Motion 337?

The EDM has been asking for a “widespread network of highly protected marine reserves throughout all UK seas … in order to rebuild UK commercial fish stocks and to halt the serious damage being caused to marine ecosystems”. It has been signed by a total of 225 MPs. Due to resignations and MPs taking up cabinet positions, the official total now stands at 219 MPs – making it 11th most popular out of 2109 EDMs tabled during the last parliamentary session. This massive cross-party support has been ignored by government. But it does show that our amendment will be well supported when it is proposed in October.

So, what are the next steps?

1. We have the agreement of a Labour MP to table an amendment at the Report Stage of the Bill.
2. We are in consultation with front bench representatives of the opposition parties on the wording of the amendment.
3. We are in discussion with other conservation NGOs to seek their cooperation and campaigning support
4. The Campaign Team will write to each of the EDM signatories, explaining the position, and seeking their support when the amendment is tabled.
5. We will ask all local groups and campaign supporters served by MPs who have already signed to also write to their MP, asking for their support of the Amendment.

The next month or so is a crucial period.  There is still time and opportunity to make this improvement to the Bill. The Marine Reserves web site (www.marinereserves.org.uk) will keep you posted on progress and include copies of draft letters and suggestions for individual action.

Please contact me directly for information or advice on 07785 572713 or bill.rigby@marinereserves.org.uk

With all best wishes,

Bill Rigby
Marine Reserves Campaign Team Leader

Tags: MARINET

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