Marine and Coastal Access

<p>A draft Marine Bill was published on 3 April 2008 for public consultation. It was also subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by Parliament. The Bill covers a broad range of marine issues.</p><p><strong>Key areas</strong></p><ul><li>Sets up a new Marine Management Organisation under which many of the existing, diverse areas of marine regulation would be centralised</li><li>streamlines the existing marine licensing system and provides powers to create a joined-up marine planning policy</li><li>introduces new measures to reform fisheries management</li><li>provides a framework for establishing marine conservation zones</li><li>enables the creation of a walkable route around the English coast.</li></ul><p> </p>