PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Early day motion 20, tabled 17 May 2005 by Bill Wiggin (Conservative). Signed by 128 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; 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 marine resources and for protecting the 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 82, Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 18, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.