The Marine Bill provides for the protection of the seas by enhancing our ability to balance the many competing pressures and demands in a sustainable manner.

Key proposals within the draft include simplifying the system for licensing marine activities; improving public access to coastal land; reforming fisheries management and the creation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).

The Bill also proposes to create a new Marine Management Organisation (MMO), a non-departmental public body tasked to undertake a range of activities on behalf of the Government, including preparing marine plans, licensing marine development, fisheries management and the enforcement of legislation relating to nature conservation and fisheries.  

Linda Gilroy said “Plymouth is first and foremost a maritime City and the success of the Marine Bill is of great importance to so many people - from the fishing boats that sail from Sutton Harbour to the windsurfers in Plymouth Sound, from divers at the Scylla Wreck to sunbathers at Wembury”.

She added “I believe that Plymouth is a very strong contender to be the home of the Marine Management Organisation. I have already raised this with both the Marine Minister and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Putting forward our case at Westminster is one of my top priorities”.

The draft Bill will now undergo a period of pre-legislative scrutiny in Parliament. This will also provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals with an interest in the Bill to give their views.