Topic: Consultation on new marine laws (Read 7043 times)

admin · « **on:** October 30, 2009 »

Environment Minister Edwin Poots is opening a consultation process on a proposed new law to protect the marine environment.

He wants to introduce legislation bringing Northern Ireland into line with how the rest of the UK's coastline is managed.

After the consultation period, Mr Poots wants to introduce a new law in the next Assembly term.

He said it was necessary to act to protect the shores and seas.

An EU directive compels member states to achieve "good environmental status" by 2020.

Its intention is to "enable the sustainable use of marine goods and services and to ensure the marine environment is safeguarded for the use of future generations".

Mr Poots said the sea was particularly important to Northern Ireland's economy.

"Fishing communities along the coast depend upon the resources of the sea to make a livelihood, while larger shipping vessels make use of our ports and rely on safe navigation through our waters," Mr Poots said.

"Incredible potential"

"Other ventures have become important in the marine area, such as the development of marine based energy initiatives, looking at ways to harness the power of both wind and sea.

"The natural environment, especially our coastal areas, has incredible potential for increased use for tourism and leisure activities."

"I am committed to ensuring that human based change does not compromise the ability of Northern Ireland's marine environment to deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to current and future generations and I look forward to playing an active role in delivering this long term commitment."

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8333172.stm

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