1. Managing marine fisheries
The
consultation
does not
make any
specific
proposals or
invite
responses on
managing
marine
fisheries but
sets out a
number of
general
areas where Defra consider that
changes to existing
primary legislation or new legislation
may be required to
deliver Government commitments
to strengthen the way
we manage fisheries and develop
fisheries policy. These
include modernising inshore fisheries
management
arrangements; a more active approach
to managing
recreational and hobby fishing
activities around the coast
of England; the need to update
or strengthen wider
enforcement powers; and charging
for the costs of
managing marine fisheries. As policy
is developed in these
areas over the coming months Defra
will consult
stakeholders, including where they
aim to take powers in
the Bill.
2. Planning in the marine area
The consultation proposes the creation
of a new system of marine spatial planning to enable a more
rational organisation of the use of marine space and the
interactions between its uses. It is proposed that the system
should take account of all sectors and activities and ensure
an integrated approach at the land-sea interface. The objective
is to enable efficient, forward-looking and holistic decision-making,
delivering sustainable development and supporting an ecosystem
approach. An agreed plan should provide a firm basis for
rational and consistent decisions on licence applications,
and allow users of the sea to make future decisions with
greater knowledge and confidence.