Ensuring proper protection for marine wildlife is one of the most pressing environmental priorities for the next Parliamentary session, says East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, who has supported the RSPB’s call for a Marine Bill to be included within the next Queen’s Speech.
On the day of Gordon Brown’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Peter Ainsworth attended a Westminster event hosted by the RSPB, which brought its campaign for a Bill to London. The RSPB is campaigning for a Marine Bill that includes: a new system for planning at sea; improved licensing of activities at sea; sustainable in-shore fishing management; and designated marine conservation zones.
The UK’s coastline is home to 18 exclusively coastal species of seabird, including puffin, gannet, kittiwake and guillemot. Peter Ainsworth said: “Currently, the protection of sites and species on land is not mirrored in the marine environment, leaving species and habitats vulnerable to many threats. This omission is of great concern to conservation groups, like the RSPB, which are calling for new legislation to protect the UK’s seas and their wildlife.”
Danny Stone, senior parliamentary officer for the RSPB, said: “We have been greatly encouraged by the support we have already received from MPs across all parties who believe that greater marine protection is a huge environmental priority.”
Danny Stone added: “The RSPB, with support from Parliamentary champions, is urging Gordon Brown to ensure the first Queen’s Speech of his premiership includes a Marine Bill.”
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