Dr Sharon Thompson, our Senior Marine Policy Officer gives us an insider's view on celebrating our contribution towards securing a Marine Act.
On the 2nd of December, the great and the good descended on the London Aquarium to celebrate the Marine & Coastal Access Act receiving Royal Assent (i.e. becoming an Act) in November this year.
The RSPB, along with our partners in Wildlife & Countryside Link had thrown a celebration bash to mark this momentous milestone on the road to effective protection of our marine wildlife.
The event was attended by those that had helped and supported the Marine & Coastal Access Act as it made its way through Parliament over 2009. They ranged from Ministers, MPs, Peers and civil servants, to government advisors, regulators and industry representatives. Many of the individuals present had helped us turn what had been a good Bill when it was introduced 12 months ago, into a great Act!
The Secretary of State Hilary Benn spoke in very positive terms about what the Act should do to deliver marine conservation, while RSPB President, Kate Humble, thanked the attendees on behalf of the environmental organisations present. Kate, a long time marine conservationist, spoke passionately about the need for the Act’s provisions to be implemented swiftly and effectively if they are to be of any benefit. She reminded the Secretary of State in the strongest terms that he was responsible for ensuring that the Marine & Coastal Access Act was more than just a piece of paper.
The formalities over, Kate’s enthusiasm spread to all during our photo call – as you can see!
A great night was had by all and the London Aquarium was a very appropriate setting, reminding us all of the wonders of the seas that the Act should protect. However, we all know that the hard work starts now, and that the Act must be put into practice if we are to deliver the ambitious agenda to protect marine wildlife and seabirds.