Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Coastal and Marine Biodiversity

Thursday 6 July 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister and MP share coastal and marine interests in their constituencies.
  • MP mentions a marine scientific business using environmental DNA for biodiversity monitoring.
  • Department engaged in marine monitoring through the UK marine monitoring and assessment strategy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Environment
Context

The MP noted recent discussions on monitoring coastal and marine biodiversity with stakeholders.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with relevant stakeholders on monitoring coastal and marine biodiversity. My hon. Friend and I share a feature in that the coast and the sea are a key part of our constituencies. We have just brought into effect our first three highly protected marine areas.

Answer from Therese Coffey

My hon. Friend and I share a feature in that the coast and the sea are a key part of our constituencies. We have just brought into effect our first three highly protected marine areas. We engage regularly with various stakeholders on a variety of issues relating to the monitoring and protection of coastal and marine biodiversity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: None, but lacks specific commitments or actions beyond general engagement

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Duncan Baker
Science & Technology Environment
Context

The MP met Applied Genomics Ltd, a marine scientific business in his North Norfolk constituency. The company has developed an effective technique to measure broad biodiversity profile from fish stocks to microbial pollution.

Question

I recently met Applied Genomics Ltd, a marine scientific business in my North Norfolk constituency. It specialises in environmental DNA acquisition and processing, and has developed an effective technique to measure a broad biodiversity profile, from fish stocks and invasive species to microbial pollution. The UK does not currently have an all-encompassing nationwide programme to monitor our coastal marine environments, so will the Minister consider launching a consistent, low-cost and accurate programme, and will she meet me to discuss it?

Answer from Therese Coffey

My hon. Friend will be aware that we monitor marine and coastal wildlife and habitats through the UK marine monitoring and assessment strategy evidence groups. Indeed, the £140 million natural capital and ecosystem assessment programme is an important example of how we are trying to do these things in a smarter and more timely way. I am delighted to say that Applied Genomics, the company to which he refers, whose work I think is interesting and valuable, has delivered some of that work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to launching programme or meeting with MP

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Climate Environment
Context

The MP expressed concerns about marine life dying due to pollution from tyres containing harmful chemicals.

Question

When will the Secretary of State join me in a campaign to try to clean up our seas and oceans? Around our country, there are reports of marine life dying. When will she wake up to the fact that tyres are not just made of rubber but contain 72 chemicals, some of them poisonous and related to cancer, and all that wear goes into the gullies, gutters, streams, rivers and oceans and it is poisoning marine life? When will she do something about it?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I know that the hon. Gentleman is trying to launch a campaign on that. The Department and the Government are aware of the impact of the particulate matter that comes off tyres and brakes. That is increasingly one of the challenges for heavier electric vehicles, and the Department for Transport in particular is working with the industry on that. On the other aspects he mentions, we have the £500 blue planet fund, and we invest right around the world and on our shores in improving marine biodiversity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to joining campaign or addressing tyre chemical pollution specifically

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email