RSPB response to announcement by The Office for Environmental Protection regarding Defra's plans for achieving Good Environmental Status of marine waters.
Office for Environmental Protection press release
Kirsten Carter, head of UK marine policy at the RSPB, said: "The latest review of measures being taken to improve the health of our seas revealed that just two out of the 15 indicators of Good Environmental Status are currently being met. As the OEP has stated, the UK Government has a legal duty to act, yet the situation is getting worse.
"Without a comprehensive, workable plan to protect and restore our seas, the health of the marine environment and our globally important seabird populations will continue to pay the price.
"We need urgent action to address gaps in the marine Special Protection Areas network, and to safeguard important feeding areas for seabirds. This has important implications for strengthening action on seabird bycatch and funding biosecurity programmes, both of which are essential to achieving and maintaining Good Environmental Status. Just as key is making sure any new offshore wind development is planned to avoid the most sensitive areas for wildlife.
"We therefore welcome the OEP taking further steps in its investigation of Defra's failure to achieve its important Marine Good Environmental Status target, to ensure that it is met as soon as possible through the introduction and implementation of an evidenced, resourced and timebound delivery plan.”