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Governing the marine environment

Inquiry

The Environmental Audit Committee is undertaking an inquiry on governing the marine environment, which will focus on the UK's environmental obligations under marine treaties and how the UK is delivering on them, as well as the Government's strategy for marine planning and protection in its domestic waters.

Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry, and to find out how to submit written evidence through the Committee's online evidence submission portal.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was Friday 17 January 2025.

Work news

Bottom trawling ban: EAC Chair comments

MPs call for Government to ban bottom trawling in protected areas of England’s waters  

MPs have urged the Government to ban damaging activities such as bottom trawling in certain protected areas of England’s waters, in a report published today.

Are MPAs fit for purpose, and how can we better plan our oceans and seas to protect precious habitats?

Government ministers will answer questions from the Environmental Audit Committee on how the UK uses its seas and oceans amid rising demand from industries spanning activities from renewable energy to fishing, and Government commitments to designate 30% of the UK’s waters as protected areas by 2030.

With so many competing demands on our seas and oceans, are international treaties adequately protecting this vital ecosystem?

While much attention has been focused on protecting ecosystems on land in a bid to meet the Government’s 30x30 target, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is considering how the UK is faring in meeting its obligations to protect marine environments.

16 December 2024

Contact us

Email: eacom@parliament.uk
Phone: 020 7219 8890 (general enquiries) | Media enquiries - email moretonj@parliament.uk