What does this mean for me?
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The Marine and Coastal Access Bill marks the first step towards a coordinated UK marine law, with a new marine planning system and marine conservation powers. A new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will act as a “one-stop shop”, making it easier to process licences for projects from small jetties to large scale dredging operations. The 12 Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) that regulate inshore fishing activities will in England be replaced by Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities. These will have more clearly defined duties, including protection of the marine environment, and will be given greater powers for enforcement.
Parts of the sea bed will be protected, not only for conservation but to preserve key spawning grounds. The Environment Agency will have new, flexible powers to better conserve and manage migratory and freshwater fisheries.
We are bringing forward proposals for greater access to the English coast.
We have summarised what the Bill means for you, via the following factsheets:
Page last modified: 23 December 2008