^{MIKE WEIR MP SEES SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR MARINE BILL}

^{Angus MP Mike Weir is supporting The Wildlife Trusts’ call for a Marine Bill in next month’s Queen’s Speech.  He attended their Petition Fish reception in the House of Commons where The Wildlife Trusts – along with representatives from individual Wildlife Trusts - showcased the fish with tens of thousands of signed scales from around the UK.  At the event, The Wildlife Trusts launched their report Marine Reserves: TLC for our seas and sea life.} 

^{Mike Weir MP said:   ‘I was encouraged to see the strength of public support for a Marine Bill which The Wildlife Trusts have gathered with their Petition Fish.  Their report on Marine Reserves highlights the importance of this campaign.  We have extraordinarily rich seas around the UK.  They are home to more than 44,000 plants and animal species, from intricate corals and seahorses to seals and dolphins.}  

^{‘Our seas also play a critical role in regulating our climate.  When healthy, they soak up vast amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen for us to breath.}

^{"The marine environment in Scotland takes in elements of both reserved and devolved matters and both Westminster and the Scottish Parliament will have a part to play in its protection. It is vital that the views and interests of Scottish fishermen are also taken into account in framing a future for our seas. "}

^{"The inclusion of a marine bill in the Queens Speech is a vital first step in protecting our marine environment "}

^{Michael Allen, chairman of The Wildlife Trusts, said: ‘We have been delighted with the tens of thousands of signatures that Wildlife Trusts from around the UK have gathered for our Petition Fish.  It shows there is public support for protecting our marine environment.}

^{‘We have a unique patchwork of marine habitats around our coast with meadows of seagrass, forests of kelp, gardens of colourful sponges and corals, and moonscapes of sand and mud riddled with the burrows of millions of shellfish and worms.  Not only does this report demonstrate the urgent need for a Marine Bill which includes effective legal measures to designate Marine Reserves but it also sets out how Marine Reserves might operate.} 

^{‘We appreciate the cross party support we have received for a Bill and urge the Government to include the Bill in next month’s Queen’s Speech.’}