Marine Bill Confirmed

Dec 03,2008 SACN

In today's Queen's speech it was confirmed that a Marine Bill will be introduced in the next session of Parliament.

"My government will bring forward measures to protect the environment for future generations.

A bill will be introduced to manage marine resources and to create a new right of public access to the coastline."

The Marine Bill will give the Government powers to introduce a number of measures that will directly impact on Recreational Sea Angling, including marine protected areas that could lead to restrictions on angling and/or a healthier marine ecoloogy with angling only areas, bag-limits on anglers' catches, regulation of shore angling in line with regulations that apply to fishing from a vessel, opening up coastal access to all, including anglers, as well as a number of proposals to be delivered as part of DEFRA's Recreational Sea Angling Strategy.

Details of a draft Marine Bill, which was subject to consultation, can be found on the DEFRA website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/legislation/index.htm

The Bill itself will be introduced to Parliament where it will undoubtedly be modified by Parliamentary debate, and is expected to come into force early next year.

Much of the detail of the changes to the management of the marine environment will require secondary legislation, involving further consultation with all stakeholders.

Media Reporting:

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