Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

Marine Bill

Key Benefits The Draft Bill would create a new marine planning and management framework that balances the need for wildlife protection with the requirements of industry around our coasts. A new system of marine planning would improve the capacity for planning and handling the growth in offshore developments across a range of sectors, providing greater clarity for development decisions, and a better mechanism for balancing sustainable development with protection of our marine resources. Streamlined marine licensing arrangements would simplify the fragmented and inconsistent regimes governing development in coastal and marine waters, creating a fit-for-purpose system incorporating the principles of sustainable development. New nature conservation measures would provide appropriate powers to protect and restore important marine areas, species and habitats, where and when appropriate in all parts of the marine area. New legislation would allow the Government to protect and enhance the UK's resources, whilst at the same time deriving sustainable economic and social benefit and help to deliver clean, healthy, safe, productive & biologically diverse oceans & seas. This comprehensive Marine Bill would deliver something for all stakeholders - business, NGOs and Government - with streamlined regulation, better protection for marine wildlife, and integrated planning and management of our seas, coasts and estuaries.

Territorial Extent
United Kingdom

It is proposed that the Bill will apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, discussions are ongoing regarding the extent to which each Devolved Administration will be involved in each of the areas of the Bill.

Existing Legislation in this area

March 2006: Defra published comprehensive consultation document on proposals for a Marine Bill.
March 2007: Defra published Marine Bill White Paper.