Wales Environment Link, the environmental NGO network in Wales, was delighted by the publication of a draft Marine Bill this week. Members of the network will now be busily checking that the draft Bill contains necessary provisions for the sustainable management and protection of our important marine environment.

WWF Cymru, RSPB Cymru, Wildlife Trusts Wales, the Marine Conservation Society and the National Trust Wales have collectively pooled their resources, through the umbrella body Wales Environment Link, and alongside similar networks in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland who are all working together to secure a new and effective approach to the management and conservation of UK seas.

It is vital that a comprehensive UK Marine Bill and parallel, country-specific legislation is implemented in order to make this a reality. WEL sees the publication of the Draft Marine Bill as a big step towards the UK and devolved Governments'  shared vision and strategic goals for the marine environment.

Anne Meikle, Chair of WEL's Marine Working Group said "The Marine Bill is a long overdue opportunity to bridge the gap between the protection of wildlife on land and at sea and to bring coherence to the planning of the many activities which take place within the marine environment".

WEL Marine Working Group is looking for the Draft UK Marine Bill to include the following for Wales:

• A network of marine protected areas for Wales' nationally important biodiversity that is ecologically representative and includes a number of Highly Protected Marine Reserves.
• A marine spatial planning system to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and protection of the marine ecosystem.
• Clear, transparent and accountable marine governance and regulation of activities in Welsh seas.
• A new integrated marine licensing system that amends the shortcomings of current marine management practice, streamlining regulation and securing protection of the marine environment.

"WEL wants the Welsh Assembly Government and the other devolved administrations to work together with the UK Government to ensure that the full UK Marine Bill comes before Parliament at the earliest opportunity, as our seas can no longer afford further delay. The Marine Campaign is something that WEL's members have collectively been campaigning for, for many years. We want the Marine Bill to be in this year's Queen's speech so that a full bill is published as soon as possible".

The Marine Bill must not be seen in isolation, WEL is calling for a comprehensive and consistent approach to be taken with regard to all legislation impacting on the marine environment. The Marine Bill must sit alongside and complement other crucial bills that are currently passing through Parliament. The fact that, after years of delay, a draft Marine Bill is only now being delivered should not be a cause for neglecting the marine impacts of other bills. 

Wales Environment Link will be taking this message to members of the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Assembly for Wales, civil servants, and Welsh MPs at Westminster, to ensure that the full UK Marine Bill provides the best solutions for Wales' marine environment and those who enjoy and depend upon it.