This is slightly cheeky, but I’m using the last scraps of my very limited power and influence here to beg everyone to take a look at the draft Marine Bill consultation documents. It can be read online or downloaded here. The responses have to be in by the 6 October 2008 so that should give you plenty of time to read and write a response.
The Marine Bill is one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation to be drafted for decades and there won’t be another chance to have your say. The bill will affect everyone in Scotland, not just those in coastal areas so if whether you’re an avid diver, weekend conservationist, casual consumer of fish ‘n’ chips or just someone whovisits the seaside once every year or so, the contents of document will affect you.There are 57 consultation questions in the document but you’re under no obligation to answer every one. It might be better to pick a few key areas that interest you. I went to one of the public consultation meetings last week (facilitated by the Forth Estuary Forum) and would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in any kind of environmental issues whatsoever (even if it is just terrestrial), or even the vaguest connection to the sea or any estuary to take a few moments to extend that interest to the marine environmentand have your say on the document before it is passed as law. You don’t have to be a taxpayer, registered voter, or anything else to just have your say. Even if you think there’s nothing you feel strongly about, I suggest reading the document as you might read something then change your mind!There is, of course, equivalent legislation affecting the rest of the UK. The Marine Bill could bring a lot of changes to the way we use and view our seas and I would strongly encourage absolutely everyone to get involved, even if you think that it sounds boring.There just won’t be another chance to complain if you say nothing now then feel unhappy with something a few years down the line. That is what consultation is all about.I think this is at the very furthest edge of what I should post on this blog so I’ll leave it be! I do think it is relevant for BTCV volunteers or anyone with an interest in conservation to at least have a look at it. All I can do is ask…