Marine Act – an historic moment

Dorset’s marine conservationists are celebrating as the Marine and Coastal Access Bill becomes an Act of Parliament this week.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has been campaigning with The Wildlife Trusts around the UK for many years for new laws to provide better protection of marine habitats and wildlife, as well as improved management of activities at sea. 

In 2007, Dorset Wildlife Trust helped to gather more than 170,000 petition signatures in support of a Marine Bill.

The seas around the UK and in Dorset are home both to spectacular creatures, such as the pink sea fan and bottlenose dolphin, and valuable resources such as commercial fish stocks.  But after decades of neglect and over-exploitation our seas and their habitats have been damaged almost to the point of no return, especially by large boats with destructive fishing gear, including bottom trawls or scallop dredges.

Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The Marine Bill is nothing short of an historic moment.  It will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect our marine species and habitats and those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.  Dorset Wildlife Trust will continue to work with authorities and groups such as fishermen to provide a more secure future for Dorset’s sea.”

As well as greater coastal access, the Bill provides for:

1. A new Marine Management Organisation to regulate marine activities and help enforce law
2. Modernised sea fisheries legislation and management to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable, profitable fishing industry
3. Marine Conservation Zones to protect important habitats and species
4. An overhaul of the marine consents and licensing procedure

Simon Cripps continued: “The combination of the Marine Conservation Zones, which should help to restore the health of the sea off Dorset, and the new marine management measures, which should protect our local inshore fishing fleet and enable joined-up planning, promises a brighter future for all of us who care about the seas in Dorset.”

Photograph: Kimmeridge Bay by Andy Pearson