From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 23, 2007

THE grounding of the cargo ship MSC Napoli serves as a stark reminder why Devon County Council demanded better protection of our coastline only last week.

The Council's Executive called on local MPs and South West MEPs on Thursday to press for better management and planning to safeguard our shores from pollution.

Councillors agreed to work more closely with neighbouring local authorities to help shape national and European legislation. Talks are already underway with Cornwall and Dorset County Councils to establish common priorities across the region on which to press the Government as it prepares to publish its Marine Bill White Paper in March.

Devon County Council is also the lead authority on the international EROCIPS (Emergency Response to Coastal Oil, Chemical and Inert Pollution from Shipping) project which is working on better ways to control and clean up pollution, especially in sensitive wildlife and fishing areas.

A report supported by councillors said that local Government, "must have a role in any new decision making structure that relates to the planning and management of the offshore environment."

Devon County Council Executive Member for the Environment, Councillor  Margaret Rogers, said: "The County Council has been concerned about this issue and just such an incident off Lyme Bay illustrates why.

"By chance we debated this last Thursday and it's right that extending co-operation with other local authorities can't be stressed enough. It is a matter that we have kept in our sights for a long time.

"As Vice-Chair of Devon Sea Fisheries I see the need to protect the Fishing Industry. The marine environment is very precious not only for fishing but for other treasures such the coral reefs which lie off the coast east of Branscombe while the Jurassic Coast is a jewel of which we are justly proud and must do our utmost to protect Once the immediate danger is over all concerned need to take stock of this incident in a cool, collected fashion, to review the evidence and see what lessons can be learnt so that better measures to prevent further episodes recurring."

Councillor Roger Giles, County Councillor for Ottery St Mary, raised the Notice of Motion before the Executive. He said: "Devon's coasts and seas are vitally important - not just regionally or nationally, but also on an international basis. Our magnificent coasts are also very vulnerable and we're seeing now just fragile they are.

"It's incomprehensible that this cargo ship has become stranded off our coast which is a world heritage site, but it's been a case of 'when' and not 'if' something like this was to happen."

Cllr Giles added that it was "unacceptable".that the Marine Environmental High Risk Area designation only applies to an area around Plymouth and from Dartmouth to Torbay, rather than the whole of Lyme Bay as the Council requested.

Although these protective designations are in place in some areas, there is less protection for the offshore environment. Ship to ship oil transfers are currently only subject to a voluntary ban so a potential risk to the local coast and seas remain.

Members have already agreed to review the County Council's Maritime Role and Action Programme to address the concerns.

Notes for Editors:

The Devon coast measures 422 km at Mean Low Water and 695 at Mean High Water.

Devon has been awarded three international designations:

The East Devon coast is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (Jurassic Coast).

Part of the North Devon coast is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Exe Estuary has Ramsar status (international importance as a wetland).

For further information and help with interviews contact the Press Office 01392 383262 or 380101.

Next : 24/01/2007 "Moor" cyclists invited to join Dartmoor Classic
Previous : 23/01/2007 Exeter Community Centre considers its future

Press Release Archive