Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy is pleased to announce that she has been appointed to the draft Marine Bill Joint Committee.

This means that Linda will be among the handful of MPs and Peers who will scrutinise the draft text of the Marine Bill line-by line. The Committee will have the power to call for papers and records and to interview relevant experts and witnesses.

The Marine Bill has been proposed with the aim of protecting 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 “Britain is an island nation and Plymouth is a maritime city – so the Marine Bill is of huge importance. I intend to ensure that the legislation is not only far-reaching, but also effective”

8 May 2008