The long awaited Marine and Coastal Access Bill is set to become law. It will establish a set of marine conservation zones around the coast of England and Wales. The Bill also includes plans to create a footpath stretching along the entire coastline of England and Wales, and the creation of a government body to be named the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The Bill is currently in its final stages in the Lords before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.
Critics of the Bill say the measures, which will ban fishing in certain coastal areas, will not offer enough protection to endangered marine species.
The Marine Management Organisation will be tasked with marine-related issues, such as plans for offshore wind farms, and would become a centre of marine expertise.
Source: BBC News website
