Lords to investigate EU regional marine co-operation
The inquiry follows the Healthy Oceans – Productive Ecosystems (HOPE) European conference for the marine environment in March 2014 which recognised that Europe's seas and oceans are under significant pressure and must be safeguarded.
Various EU policies seek to promote marine environmental protection on the one hand or marine economic growth on the other. While it is generally recognised that a regional approach to putting those policies into practice is necessary, this is not happening systematically.
The Committee are inviting written evidence to be received by Friday 26 September. They will hold public oral evidence sessions for the inquiry when the House returns from the summer recess in October.
Some of the areas the Committee are inviting evidence on include:
What are the principle risks to the EU's marine environment? How much of a threat are conflicts between users of marine environments, such as energy developers and the fishing industry, and conflicts between policies designed to protect the environment and those that are designed to boost economic growth?
How effective is regional co-operation on marine policy between Member States in the EU? What more can be done particularly in the North Sea? What are the advantages and disadvantages of regional co-operation?
What are the basic requirements to develop a coherent and flexible regional approach to marine co-operation? Is an ideal model identifiable, particularly for the North Sea?
Commenting on the inquiry, Baroness Scott, Chairman of the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy, said:
“There is growing recognition in Europe that regional co-operation will be vital in the development of an effective and comprehensive marine policy. At present however, there doesn't seem to be a clear map on how to take that regional co-operation forward or what form it should take.
“Marine issues affect a wide range of EU policies and activities from fisheries and energy generation to the protection of the environment and coastal habitats. It is crucial therefore that we work on developing a better model for regional marine co-operation. It is particularly relevant for the North Sea region which is so important for the UK.
“We are keen to receive evidence from a wide range of witnesses and would encourage interested parties to have a look at our website, get in touch with the Committee and submit their views by the Friday 26 September.”
