As a matter of priority, my Department is currently engaged with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to draw up a Bill to provide for the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect, conserve and, where appropriate, restore threatened species, habitats and ecosystems. These will complement our existing network of de facto MPAs consisting of marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas under the Habitats and Birds Directives.
The proposed Marine Protected Areas Bill will include specific provisions for the effective management, monitoring and enforcement of MPAs. Each MPA designated will have a specific set of conservation objectives and a management plan which will include an appropriate monitoring programme
It is my intention is to seek Government approval to publish this Bill at the earliest opportunity.