AQO 1423/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/02/2012
Answered On Date: 29/02/2012
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment how the provisions in the Marine Bill will address the issue of marine management.

Answer:

The Marine Bill, which I introduced to the Assembly last week, provides for marine plans, marine conservation zones, and further provision in relation to marine licensing for certain electricity works in the Northern Ireland inshore region.

These provisions together will provide the basis for the future, sustainable management of the North’s marine environment, so that current and future generations can enjoy its social, economic and environmental benefits.

I remain committed to ensuring that the Bill is implemented in an integrated way so that those benefits can be realised in full.

I will also continue my conversations with Executive colleagues that the Bill should legislate for a Marine Management Organisation (MMO) as the best vehicle to manage and reconcile the many interests and needs of marine management.