Policies to protect the marine environment and ensure 30% of waters are protected by 2030 was the focus of the Environmental Audit Committee’s first evidence session of its ‘Governing the marine environment’ inquiry.
The inquiry was launched in December 2024 to examine whether provisions of international treaties aimed at protecting global seas and oceans are adequate, particularly in the light of current competing demands on the marine environment including fishing, undersea cabling, renewable energy, shipping and leisure.
Members aimed to complete a stocktake of how the UK is implementing policies protecting the marine environment by the UN Oceans Conference in June 2025, and will, if necessary, press Ministers to address any limitations in the current domestic and international policy landscape.