High Seas Treaty

Earl of Devon Excerpts

Monday 10th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Devon (CB)]

My Lords, last year I chaired the Westminster conference on marine natural capital. I learned there that while there has been considerable success in designating marine protected areas in recent years, both Defra and the MMO sadly lack the resources, technology and capacity to map, evaluate and patrol the areas that have been designated. If we are to introduce increased designations as well as a policy of marine net gain, how will we ever enforce it if we cannot even audit and protect the areas already designated?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The noble Earl makes a very good point. No law or agreement is worth anything unless we enforce it. That is why we are determined to do all that we can to achieve our 30 by 30 commitments at sea. These are challenging targets—it is important that we acknowledge that. Minister Hardy, who is responsible for this area in Defra, has confirmed her intention to continue working on this and push forward. Enforcement and ensuring that it happens are part of that important work.