Speeches by Blake.

“Is there anything that you would recommend us to point to that might improve that situation?”

“Could you share with us the examples of local authorities where you have seen that?”

“First, a question to Mr Cunningham. There is a vigorous campaign at present to ban bottom trawling in UK marine protected areas, on the basis that there is pretty good evidence that this type of fishing is environmentally damaging. Can you explain to us what sort of damage this practice does to the UK marine environmen…”

“A very good point made, and it links to my next question. Are the economic, social and environmental and scientific demands on the marine environment adequately balanced in the context of marine spatial planning? That is obviously a context here. Do you think that the current system has the correct balance? I will star…”

“That would be really helpful for the Committee.”

“I am going back to an answer that you gave earlier. You mentioned the need to raise the levels of all our marine areas. What is your view on the Government’s recently announced change in view on the disposal of unexploded ordnance, or sea blasts? Do you think that is a good example of actions that the Government can ta…”

“Ms Godwin, do you feel that that example has helped industry to know what is coming down the track?”

“That would be really helpful for the Committee.”

“I am going back to an answer that you gave earlier. You mentioned the need to raise the levels of all our marine areas. What is your view on the Government’s recently announced change in view on the disposal of unexploded ordnance, or sea blasts? Do you think that is a good example of actions that the Government can ta…”

“Ms Godwin, do you feel that that example has helped industry to know what is coming down the track?”

“That is an interesting example. You have hinted at this, but what would be the immediate environmental impact of a complete ban?”

“Are there any industries that you feel are not fully involved in the discussions covering marine spatial planning? I am thinking about recreational organisations, perhaps.”

“Do you think that there needs to be more joining up between different plans, basically, within government?”

“That is very helpful. Do either of the other witnesses want to comment on that?”

“May I quickly ask one more?”

“I will ask quickly about workforce, given that you have been explaining this as infrastructure. Do you think that we understand the workforce that is needed to improve monitoring and maintenance of these areas, or do you think that is a question for another day?”

“Thank you. That is useful.”

“Thank you very much.”

“This is a strange question. How will you make sure that species are not wrongly deemed as invasive because they are moving? How do you maintain protection if they are new to someone’s environment, and they are eating something that you are concerned about protecting? How do you keep up with nature to make sure that we …”

“As the marine environment changes, how can the UK ensure that it is providing protection to species that may be displaced or migrate to different areas than they would ordinarily live in—for example, if they migrate north to waters that become warmer?”