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The government has published a draft Marine Bill aimed at protecting - and giving the public greater access to - the UK's coastline and seas.
The long-awaited legislation contains proposals to create a network of marine reserves and a new Marine Management Organisation to regulate development and activity at sea and enforce environmental protection laws.
The Bill also seeks to increase the right to roam with the freedom to walk all round the English coast for the first time included.
Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: "Our proposals will raise protection and management of our seas to a new level, halting the decline in biodiversity to create clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas."
However shadow secretary Peter Ainsworth said: "It is a pity that the government, having first promised a marine bill in 2004, has dithered for so long before getting to this stage, while our marine habitats have deteriorated.
"After four years, we are presented with a draft bill, rather than actual legislation, with no certainty that it will make it through Parliament before the next election.
"It is a matter of regret that the government has chosen to throw a spanner into the works by attaching proposals for almost unrestricted coastal access to measures to improve the marine environment. While we are very sympathetic to the idea that people should have increased access to our wonderful coastline, we are not convinced of the need for further legislation.
"Greater coastal access should be based on voluntary agreements with incentives for landowners alongside appropriate protection for sensitive habitats which may be damaged by open access."
Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Martin Horwood said: "We have been waiting for this much-needed marine legislation for years, yet all we have is a draft bill. I hope that the government does not stall any further and that a full bill is included in the next Queen's Speech.
"The marine environment desperately needs proper protection to rescue threatened habitats and endangered species.
"The bill will also provide a welcome boost to the local fishing industry by helping fish stocks to recover in protected areas.
"New organisations set up in the bill will have a lot of power over our coastline so ministers need to ensure they are democratically accountable."
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