Environment Secretary Michael Gove launched the draft Fisheries Bill on October 25th, to translate EU Common Fisheries Policy rules into UK law. The new Bill aims to promote a more sustainable policy, by controlling access to UK waters, proposing powers to ensure that the UK can set its own fishing quota, and protecting the marine environment.
The Bill also includes conservation measures. Section 40 includes in the notion of “marine and aquatic environment”, “features of archaeological or historic interest in those areas”, as well as natural beauties and amenities on the costs. Heritage is therefore included and taken into account when referring to “marine and aquatic environment”.
The Heritage Alliance had been pushing for this approach with Defra officials, so it is positive news.