Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Fish don’t do politics. Natural ecosystems are not restricted by man-made national boundaries, anywhere in the world, so it makes no sense for protection projects to stop at those borders. For example, many species that inhabit UK waters – including dolphins, whales and sharks – can travel across great distances.
WWF believes the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act cannot address all issues in the UK’s devolved countries, so there is an urgent need for the governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to develop complementary legislation, to ensure “joined-up” UK-wide action.
We have to manage our seas at a scale that makes sense for the environment rather than being restricted to country borders – in other words taking an ‘ecosystem approach’.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has committed itself to introducing new marine legislation to reflect the UK Marine Act. WWF-NI is working hard to ensure this reflects the objectives and scope of the UK Act, and complements marine legislation in other parts of the UK.
Scotland
Much of the responsibility for managing Scotland’s seas lies with the Scottish government. To ensure Scotland’s valuable marine environment is managed and protected in the most effective way, WWF-Scotland is calling for a Scottish Marine Bill to complement the UK Act.
Wales
For many years, WWF-Cymru has been calling for a marine bill that provides proper protection to our seas and the biodiversity in Welsh waters. So we’re delighted to be working with the UK government and Welsh Assembly on many aspects of the UK's first Marine Act.