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South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Marine Protected Area
22 November 2023
Lead MP
Robert Buckland
South Swindon
Con
Responding Minister
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Tags
TaxationClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 9779
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Robert Buckland raised concerns about south georgia and the south sandwich islands: marine protected area in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP urges the Government to take bold steps in this year's review of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and designate all 400,000 sq km of ocean around the South Sandwich Islands as a no-take zone. He also calls for additional targeted extensions to protections around key areas in South Georgia's waters.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the need to strengthen marine protections around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, given their immense biodiversity including over 3 million penguins of four species and millions of other animals. The threat from industrial fishing for krill, which is a vital food source for these creatures, is growing significantly. With climate change affecting krill populations, there is an urgent need to protect more waters around the islands to ensure the survival of endangered species.
Chris Skidmore
Con
Bromsgrove
The UK Government counts SGSSI waters, over 1 million sq km, as a marine protected area but only 23% is currently off limits to commercial extraction. The speaker calls for increased protection due to climate change impacts and the recovery of great whales. There are insufficient krill in the Southern ocean to support historical baleen whale populations. CCAMLR faces major disputes about developing marine protected areas, leading to a perfect storm of uncertainty.
Douglas Chapman
SNP
Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
Douglas Chapman praised the recovery of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands' marine ecosystem and highlighted local stewardship efforts in Scotland. He mentioned the Restoration Forth project and emphasised community-led initiatives as key to success.
James Gray
Con
North Wiltshire
James Gray mentioned the severe impact of avian flu on wildlife in South Georgia and clarified that there has been no commercial fishing around the South Sandwich Islands for the past three decades, with only two ships visiting annually to collect a small amount of catch. Supported the establishment of marine protected areas in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, highlighting the importance of biodiversity preservation. He noted that banning fishing would not impact current activities due to minimal existing fishing activity. Raised concerns about geopolitical implications if British control over these waters were lost. James Gray clarified that fishing vessels mentioned by Douglas Chapman are outside the marine protected area, where they cannot fish.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supporting the need for better marine protection, Jim Shannon emphasized the importance of protecting South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. He highlighted issues like the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza on Bird Island and its impact on wildlife populations. Shannon urged the Minister to provide updates on actions taken to address these challenges.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Stephen Doughty highlighted his interest in the South Atlantic, mentioning the Terra Nova expedition's departure from Cardiff Bay and Welsh involvement in the Falklands conflict. He discussed his commitment to the economic, physical, and environmental security of UK overseas territories, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Doughty noted the relevance of the region for global environmental diversity and the growing geopolitical interests, particularly from China and Russia. He raised concerns about sustainability, data-based decision-making, climate change impacts on marine environments, and governance structures in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
The MP highlighted the importance of marine protected areas in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect biodiversity. She mentioned that 30% of the world's penguins are formally British and noted challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation.
Government Response
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Government Response
Acknowledging the debate topic, the Minister detailed the UK's marine protected area (MPA) in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. She outlined its conservation efforts, including prohibition of bottom trawling and regulation of long-line fishing to protect biodiversity. The MPA's stringent regulations were highlighted as necessary for preventing illegal practices that had threatened species like marbled rockcod. Fishing licences contribute funding for governance and enforcement through a patrol vessel while ensuring scientific data collection and surveillance against illegal activities. The Minister underscored the UK's role in international marine conservation efforts under the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, noting Russia's obstructionist stance on catch limits for South Georgia toothfish. She also addressed krill fisheries' management, stressing ongoing research to support sustainable practices. Regarding stakeholder engagement, an upcoming workshop was mentioned to evaluate the MPA's effectiveness and potential further measures.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.