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 05 July 2008 03:41 BST

Conservationists welcome PM's marine promise

Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:34
Gordon Brown said the government aims to protect the UK's seas

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Conservationists have welcomed the prime minister's expressed commitment to improving protection for the UK's seas.

In his draft Queen's Speech, Gordon Brown said the government plans to create marine conservation zones to safeguard the species living in them.

His comments follow the announcement of a draft marine bill by environment secretary Hilary Benn last month which included provision for such zones.

Speaking in the Commons today Mr Brown announced the government's determination to help the UK's "seas and shores".

Extra protection for the UK's seas has been the WWF's aim for the past eight years.

"WWF welcomes the positive proposals outlined in Gordon Brown's statement today but insists this must lead to a full marine bill in the Queen's Speech," said Dr Simon Walmsley, head of marine at WWF-UK.

"The introduction of a marine bill is now long overdue. With increasing pressure on our seas, the health of our marine wildlife in decline and the entire marine ecosystem threatened by climate change, we require immediate, strong, effective legislation for our seas."

The draft legislative programme published today following Mr Brown's announcement also outlines plans for a new marine planning system.

WWF welcomed this proposal, saying it is "crucial to balancing the needs of sea users while ensuring a healthy marine environment".
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