AQO 1423/11-15 Oral question to the Minister of the Environment

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

Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 16 February 2012

  • Answered
  • Oral
  • After due date
Tabled
16 February 2012
Answer due by
28 February 2012
Answered
29 February 201213 days after tabling
Department
Department of the Environment
Priority question
No

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.

Official sources