Marine Conservation - New Assembly Powers

21 Sep 2009

Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced the Assembly Government’s

intention to create Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to protect Welsh seas.

The announcement comes in anticipation of powers contained in the Marine and Coastal Access Bill which will include provisions enabling the Welsh Assembly Government to make legislation relating to marine conservation and the protection of native habitats and species. The Assembly’s plans to create MCZs will contribute to the UK’s international commitment to create a network of protected areas by 2012.

The Bill will also enable the Assembly to make legislation in relation to the establishment and maintenance of one or more routes for the coast to enable the public to make recreational journeys, and the securing of public access to ‘relevant land’ for the purposes of open-air recreation.

The Bill is currently awaiting its report stage in the House of Commons and is expected to receive Royal Assent this autumn.

Click here to track the progress of the Bill on the House of Commons website.