Celebrating the Marine Bill in the most appropriate place
2nd November 2009
Today Linda Gilroy MP and Prof. Stephen de
Mora, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, took to the
sea to mark the passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill
through the final stages of completion.
As the sun tried to break through the cloud, the pair boarded the
Plymouth Quest joined by 2 PML scientists. The research boat was
heading for Cawsands (Cornwall, UK) to take samples of the
seabed, as part of an ongoing survey of the marine creatures that
live in the local waters.
Looking back at variety of activities taking place along the
coastline of Plymouth, conversation turned to the globally
ground-breaking legislative bill that will have a significant
impact on the marine and maritime city.
The main principle of the bill is to ensure clean, safe,
productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas, by putting in
place better systems for delivering sustainable development of
marine and coastal environment. Plymouth’s Sutton MP, Linda Gilroy,
has followed the development of the bill for many years, serving on
the joint committee of the House of Lords and the House of Commons,
which scrutinised the draft text and considered early amendments in
detail. Plymouth Marine Laboratory has also been following progress
of the bill closely, contributing scientific evidence and advice on
the UK
marine environment.
“There will be few places in the UK where the Marine and Coastal
Access Bill will have a greater impact,” commented Mrs Gilroy. “We
have a strong maritime history, which has allowed a thriving
boating community and fishing industry, Naval presence, a
world-class marine science cluster and a plethora of recreational
activities.”
“This bill will help protect, sustainably manage and develop
these key sectors, as a social and economic benefit for the whole
city.”
Also discussed on the trip was the development of marine
science and technology in the region and how the associated
community can best assist the new Marine Management Organisation in
delivering the bill and strengthen the UK’s international
reputation.
Stephen de Mora continued: “PML looks forward with optimism to the
implementation of the Marine Bill. Of particular importance is the
provision that marine planning decision-making should be evidence
based.”
“We are proud of the relevant research already undertaken at PML
that will underpin this legislation. We trust that our expertise,
especially in socio-economics and ecosystem modelling, will be of
benefit to the Marine Management Organisation.”