Marine Bill: Commons amendments

Amendments on outstanding issues including the Marine Management Organisation, the relationship between marine conservation and commercial fishing, and inshore fisheries and conservation authorities in England were discussed and resolved.

The Bill now awaits Royal Assent - the final stage of the Bill's passage through Parliament when it becomes an Act (law).

• Lords Hansard: Marine and Coastal Access Bill
• Video & Audio: Marine and Coastal Access Bill
• Bills before Parliament: Marine and Coastal Access Bill
• Passage of a Bill: Consideration of amendments

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill covers a broad range of marine issues, including:

• setting up a new Marine Management Organisation under which many of the existing, diverse areas of marine regulation would be centralised
• streamlining the existing marine licensing system and providing powers to create a joined-up marine planning policy
• introducing new measures to reform fisheries management
• providing a framework for establishing marine conservation zones
• enabling the creation of a walkable route around the English coast