APPG calls for the Government to publish a cross-departmental UK and International Ocean Strategy
Today, the APPG for the Ocean has released its latest inquiry report ‘What Can Sustainable Ocean Policy Deliver for the UK?’ setting out the vital importance of a cross-Government UK and International Ocean Strategy.
The report comes as Parliamentarians debate the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill this week, highlighting the value and necessity of international collaboration to tackle the challenges our ocean faces. It draws on written evidence from a broad range of stakeholders and oral evidence sessions held earlier this year.
It calls on the Government to:
Publish a cross-departmental UK and International Ocean Strategy to end fragmentation and provide a long-term vision.
Strengthen protections for Marine Protected Areas by banning destructive practices and ensuring effective monitoring.
Commit to long-term investment in marine science and innovation, ensuring stable funding and commercialisation of research.
Continue funding for the Blue Belt Programme and Darwin Plus, supporting biodiversity conservation and UK international leadership.
Invest in blue economy skills to deliver a just transition and secure high-quality jobs.
Embed ocean health into climate, net zero, and security strategies as a foundation of resilience and adaptation.
Commenting, Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the APPG for the Ocean said:
“If we do not act at pace and harness the potential of our ocean, the worrying and very real impact of climate change will continue to create irreversible damage.
“As our report sets out, a sustainable ocean policy can deliver economic growth, tackle climate change, produce new jobs and meet our net-zero objectives, but we need clear and consistent leadership and urgency from Government to deliver for our ocean.
“This week’s debate on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill demonstrates the value of UK leadership on the global stage and of international collaboration, but there remains much more to do to protect our ocean and deliver a blue economy.
“By developing a cross-Government UK and International Ocean Strategy, grounded in science, collaboration, and long-term investment, we can ensure that the ocean’s full potential is recognised across every part of Government and help us plan not just for today, but for the generations that will follow.”
Sarah Taylor, Head of Public Affairs at the National Oceanography Centre, added:
“The National Oceanography Centre welcomes the publication of this important inquiry report into a sustainable ocean policy. As a world-leading oceanographic institute, we recognise the vital role that scientific research plays in understanding our ocean and its impact on society.
“We are pleased to see the APPG for the Ocean highlight the significant value of the ocean and outline the key recommendations on how the ocean can support the UK in meeting its climate, net zero and economic aims.
“This is incredibly timely given this week’s debate on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, which is a major step forward in protecting marine biodiversity. Our scientific and policy experts at the National Oceanography Centre have worked closely with the Government on the BBNJ Agreement, and we look forward to working closely with Government and parliamentarians to ensure future protection and conservation of the ocean.”