The National Assembly for Wales’ Environment and Sustainability Committee has undertaken a short inquiry into marine policy in Wales. 

The purpose of the inquiry was to:

• assess progress made by the Welsh Government in relation to implementation of the Marine Act 2009 with particular regard to the marine conservation and the marine spatial planning powers of the Act;
• assess progress made by the Welsh Government towards the achievement of its European obligations in this field with particular regard to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive, the Bathing Water Quality Directive and the Water Framework Directive.

The Committee considered:

• what progress has been made in relation to the development of marine spatial plans for Wales?
• what is the current status of marine protected areas in Wales and what role should the new marine conservation zones have in this network of protected areas?
• the development of the Welsh Government’s functions in relation to marine licensing and fisheries and whether this has been effective?
• what progress has been made by the Welsh Government in the implementation of key European Directives?
• whether there is sufficient cooperation and coordination between the Welsh Government and its neighbouring administrations in relation to the management of its seas?
• whether the Welsh Government has sufficient financial and staff resource to deliver on its marine policy and legislation objectives?
• whether stakeholders have been sufficiently involved in the shaping of new policies and the development of legislation?