PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Early day motion 16, tabled 23 November 2004 by Tim Yeo (Conservative). Signed by 106 members.

That this House supports and welcomes the commitment to clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas outlined in the Government's first Marine Stewardship Report; is concerned; however, about the ever-increasing pressure on the marine environment from coastal and offshore activities; believes that continued degradation threatens the long-term survival of internationally valuable habitats, wildlife and maritime archaeology, further believes that such degradation of the marine environment is detrimental to the economic activities dependent on marine resources; notes that the United Kingdom does not have a strategic and co-ordinated approach for managing our marine resources and for protecting our biological and cultural heritage; and calls upon the Government to introduce at the earliest opportunity, comprehensive legislation to protect and manage the marine environment in an integrated and sustainable manner.

Signatures by party: Conservative 68, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour 7, DUP 4, Labour/Co-operative 2, Independent 1, Independent Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.