Dr Brian Iddon MP scales up the pressure for Marine Bill

7th June 2007

Dr Brian Iddon MP has supported The Wildlife Trusts’ call for a Marine Bill in the next Queen’s Speech by signing their ‘Petition Fish’ at an event in the House of Commons. 

Dr Iddon said:

“I believe we need a Marine Bill urgently.  At present less than 0.001% of our seas are protected by law.  As an island nation, we have a responsibility to care for our seas and protect the wildlife that lives there, from dolphins to corals and starfish. I will do what I can to keep up the pressure on the Government for a Marine Bill to be included in the Queen’s Speech this autumn.

I know how important this issue is as the Science and Technology Committee, of which I am a member, are currently undertaking an inquiry in this area. Entitled “Investigating the Oceans,” the inquiry is looking into marine science and the research currently being undertaken into the vital role the marine environment plays in our ecosystem. The Committee is due to report on this in the autumn and I very much hope that it can help inform the debate around a Marine Bill.

The Marine Bill White Paper which sets out proposals for new measures to manage human activities at sea and protect marine habitats and wildlife would form a good basis for any Marine Bill and I have written to Gordon Brown to urge him to include a Marine Bill in his first Queen’s Speech.”

Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts says:

“I am delighted that Dr Iddon MP has shown their support for the Marine Bill in this way.  Like climate change, the destruction of marine wildlife is an urgent global issue and the UK Government must take a lead by protecting our own seas. We cannot delay marine legislation any longer - the urgency to protect marine biodiversity is unquestionable. 

The Wildlife Trusts’ ‘Petition Fish’ is one way to keep the Marine Bill in the public eye and make sure it gets onto the statute book.  Throughout the summer we will be taking our ‘Petition Fish’ to Wildlife Trust events around the country so that the public can also sign scales to show their support. We plan to bring the fish with signed scales back to Westminster in the autumn.”

1. Dr Iddon MP is pictured with the “Petition Fish” and Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Stephanie Hilbourne

2. The ‘Petition Fish’ are an innovative way of gathering petition signatures.  The fish are large, brightly coloured, plastic cut-outs, representing four charismatic or endangered UK fish (cod, triggerfish, wrasse and plaice).  To support the petition, you sign a silver or gold self-adhesive scale and attach it to the fish.

3. The Marine Bill White Paper proposes the following:

A new system of marine planning;

A more efficient and transparent system for licensing marine activities;

A Marine Management Organisation with wide-ranging functions;

New mechanisms for conserving marine wildlife;

Modernised inshore fisheries management.

The consultation closes on Friday 8th June 2007.

4. For further information about The Wildlife Trusts’ Marine Bill Campaign, please go to wwww.wildlifetrusts.org or call us on 01636 677711.

5. More details about the Science and Technology Committee Inquiry “Investigating the Oceans” can be found here http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/science_and_technology_committee/scitech271106.cfm