An influential Commons committee has called for urgent government action to protect the environment at sea.

In its report published on Sunday, the environment, food and rural affairs select committee argued that human activity is damaging ocean floors and biodiversity.

The Labour-dominated committee called on ministers to review and update existing laws, and for a cabinet sub-committee to be created, dedicated to overseeing marine issues.

"On land, people can see the impact of human activities on the environment," said the report.

"But at sea pollution, damage to fish stocks, degradation of habitats and declines in biodiversity are less immediately apparent."

In particular, MPs expressed concern at the lack of knowledge over how much damage is caused by deep sea trawling, and called on the government to ensure research by universities and other institutions continues.

"The report highlights the complexity of the issues which affect policy towards the marine environment which needs government protection, as far as the seas around the United Kingdom are concerned," said committee chairman and Conservative MP for Fylde, Michael Jack.

"Buut this will not be achieved unless the government creates a much improved mechanism to ensure all the departments that have both an interest and a responsibility in this area, work together much more effectively than at present."