The statement continues, saying both parties realise that tough decisions will have to be taken, again emphasising that clear policy objectives and a planned approach are essential and that reasons for making decisions must be transparent and understood.

Both groups support enforcement mechanisms for the protection of Marine Conversation Zones (MCZs) to be enshrined in the Marine Bill and insist on clarity over site conservation objectives, what constitutes an offence and what activities and actions are permitted within a site is essential for all marine users, including enforcers.

'Paralysis by analysis' will not help environmental protection or developers, says the statement, so decisions may be based on ‘informed analyses’ rather than delay for data to be collected.

Finally, the joint statement asks for clarification on cross border issues related to devolution.

The statement was welcomed by Jonathan Shaw, marine and fisheries minister, who commented: ‘Our seas are important. We use the seas for many resources on which jobs and livelihoods depend. Damage to marine life, habitats and ecosystems has serious knock-on effects for all of us, so protecting our marine environment is a high priority.’

This joint statement between industry and environmentalists is a great example of how we can all work together to get the Marine Bill right and ensure clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas for future generations, he added.