Marine and Coastal Access Act

New management for coasts and seas

The Act is one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation to be passed recently as it creates a new, comprehensive management system for our coasts and seas.

We have always strongly supported the Marine and Coastal Access Act. Our coasts and seas have shaped the history of our nations and they are vital to our economy, health and well-being. While some aspects of coastal management have improved - such as reduction in pollution from sewage - other impacts such as climate change, coastal erosion and habitat loss are an increasing threat to the marine environment.

The UK Government recognises the vulnerability of our seas and coast and the Marine and Coastal Access Act provides a unique opportunity to put in place new environmental safeguards and ensure an integrated approach to planning, regulation and biodiversity across land and sea.

What the Marine and Coastal Access Act will do

• It has created the Marine Management Organisation in England. They are the new manager and regulator of England's marine environment and will deliver the key actions set out by the Act. In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government will lead marine management and regulation.
  
  
• The UK will be one of the first countries to plan for all of its marine area. The new streamlined licensing regime will reduce the number of licences required for a marine project, and all licensing decisions will be made in accordance with the marine plan. This will provide greater certainty for developers and regulators alike.
  
  
• It will create a network of Marine Conservation Zones to protect some of the UK's most important marine species and habitats.
  
  
• It will modernise the management of inshore fisheries and replaces Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) with Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) in England. In Wales, this responsibility will pass to the Welsh Assembly Government.
  
  
• It will take forward many of the recommendations of the 2000 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review to modernise certain aspects of the current migratory and freshwater fisheries legislation.
  
  
• It gives Natural England the ability to create a walking route around the coast of England. We will advise on coastal change and when the walking route coincides with coastal defence structures. 

We look forward to working with Defra and the new Marine Management Organisation in England, and Welsh Assembly Government in Wales. 

• Defra Marine and Coastal Access Act
• Welsh Assembly Government Marine and Coastal Access Act
• Environment Agency response to 2008 Marine Bill proposals (PDF, 237KB)
• Response to Marine Bill White Paper (PDF, 507KB)