The government will introduce a Bill in draft which will set out how it can better protect and regulate activities in the seas around Britain. The draft Bill will set out plans for a new marine planning system and more streamlined marine licensing arrangements. It will also set out plans to introduce new conservation measures for marine areas, species and habitats.

In March 2007 Defra published a Marine Bill white paper on proposals for a draft Marine Bill following a consultation and select committee inquiry in 2006.