(Title Image: Swansea Bay City Region Deal)
This week’s short debate came from Joyce Watson MS (Lab, Mid & West Wales) on the role the seas can play in the green-led recovery once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
“Teal new deal”
Most of the talk about the economic recovery is about a green new deal, but it should include measures to harness the power of the seas and take necessary steps to protect the seas at the same time. She was pleased that marine energy demonstration areas have been included (as part of the Swansea Bay city region).
“Ultimately, there can be no blue-green recovery if we do not recover the health of our waters. Right now, nearly 50% of protected wildlife in our seas is in poor condition. So, I would support many of the policies that the Wales Environment Link has been calling for, like ensuring that at least 10% of Welsh waters are fully protected by 2030.”
– Joyce Watson MS
Economically, it was important that the Welsh fishing fleet catches more fish in Welsh waters and are given a larger share of current quotas.
Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Lab, Ogmore) stressed the importance of improving existing marine protected areas off the Welsh coast as only 1% of their area is deemed to be well-managed by scientists.
Welsh coast “an integral part of our history, economy and way of life”
Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham), said the importance of the sea was recognised in the government’s marine plans.
“There is huge potential for the marine and renewable sectors to grow responsibly in Wales, and I’m encouraged by the growing interest in Welsh waters. I want to see projects coming forward that support coastal communities and are designed and built with biodiversity in mind, supporting our ecosystem resilience. My officials are working in partnership through a consenting strategic advisory group to deliver a suite of actions aimed at de-risking and accelerating the responsible deployment of marine renewable energy.”
– Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths
Securing a future for the Welsh fishing industry was seen as a priority, without going into any details, the Minister said there was a commitment to introduce a post-Brexit fisheries policy based on sustainability but with the necessary flexibility.
