Clause 123
Marine and Coastal Access Bill [Lords]
12:00 pm
Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Labour)
I have been contacted by the Countryside Council for Wales, which is the statutory advisory body for the Welsh Assembly. It has raised a number of issues that I would like to bring to the Committee’s attention. Unfortunately, in the time given, it was not possible to table an amendment, but I will ask the Minister some questions.
Clause 123 creates the network of conservation sites, but does not state whether any of them will be highly protected sites. The CCW is concerned that some of the sites should be highly protected. It may mean that licensed marine activity should not be allowed in MCZs, and that neither should any fishing of any sort take place. In other words we create, as around Lundy, no-take zones. I would be grateful if the Minister could tell me if, within clause 123, those highly protected zones can be created to give the assurance that the CCW is seeking.