From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, May 09, 2007

THE Devon Maritime Forum will meet with Defra officials to discuss the Government's Marine Bill White Paper on Friday. (11 May)

The Forum has invited Defra's head of the Marine Bill team to the meeting at the Riviera Centre, Torquay, to find out what current Government thinking is and to try to help guide the legislation.

The publication of the Marine Bill White Paper will set out new legislation covering planning in the marine environment, licensing of development activity, marine nature conservation, fisheries and a new "Marine Management Organisation".

Professor Laurence Mee, Chairman of the Devon Maritime Forum and Director of the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute, said: "The Marine Bill is the single most important piece of legislation to come forward that affects the marine environment.

"The beaching of the Napoli emphasises the vulnerability of our marine environment. It is vital that we have our say locally. Our Devon Maritime Forum meeting welcomes the opportunity to speak directly to Defra on the Marine Bill."

Also on the agenda at the meeting is the beaching of the MSC Napoli, planning in Lyme Bay, the maritime economy in Torbay, Marine Protected Areas - The Finding Sanctuary Project and Shoreline Management Plans.

The Forum is supported by Devon County Council, Environment Agency, Natural England, South West Water, Devon Wildlife Trust, National Trust and University of Plymouth.

Notes for Editors:

For more information contact Aidan Winder 01392 383019 or Professor Laurence Mee 01752 233719.