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Dr Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test has been appointed to the Draft Marine Bill (Joint Committee) by Parliament. The Committee of MPs and Lords will scrutinise every aspect of the Draft Marine Bill and examine comments from stakeholders and other interested parties. The Draft Marine Bill was published on April 3rd 2008, and will create a new network of marine conservation zones for species and habitats of national importance. Improved coastal access for ramblers is also proposed alongside a new marine planning system, simpler licensing of marine developments (e.g. offshore wind farms) and improved management of marine and inland fisheries. Dr Whitehead has been campaigning for some time to highlight the impact that energy installations such as wind farms can have in protecting and developing no-take zones and marine protection zones, rather than detracting from them. Dr Whitehead has also previously spoken in the House of Commons to stress to the government the importance of marine management organisation, pointing out that in the Solent area effective management needs to take in the marinas, the port of Southampton, the natural environment, and in-shore fisheries Dr Whitehead said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this influential committee. I have long been calling for new leigslation in the seas to protect the marine environment and to set up a framework for offshore renewable energy development. The Draft Marine Bill is a crucial weapon in the fight against climate change, and I will use my place on the committee to ensure that it is as far-reaching and comprehensive as possible." He added: "The Draft Marine Bill is hugely important to Southampton. The Solent and the waters around Southampton are some of the most heavily used and scientifically interesting waters in the country, and it is crucial to obtain protection for the natural marine environment whilst ensuring that we can secure renewable energy from the sea and enable productive use of the sea for leisure and commercial purposes." /ENDS Photo: Dr Alan Whitehead MP signalling his support for the Marine Bill with Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts. For more info from Alan Whitehead, please visit the website . |
