The U.K. Marine and Coastal Access Bill—A missed opportunity to enhance protection from marine environmental pollution?

• Published in: Marine policy Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 498 - 505
• Main Author: Mark Gauci, Gotthard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2010; Elsevier
• Series: Marine Policy
• Subjects: Bills; Coastal; Coastal areas; Coastal environments; Definition of pollution damage; Destination of monetary sanctions; Environmental policy; Law; Legislation; Liability; Locus standi; Marine; Marine and Coastal Access Bill; Marine and Coastal Access Bill Locus standi Destination of monetary sanctions Maritime limitation of liability Definition of pollution damage Maritime places of refuge; Marine resources; Maritime limitation of liability; Maritime places of refuge; Pollution abatement; Refuges; Sea transport; United Kingdom; Water pollution; Marine and Coastal Access Bill; Maritime places of refuge; Locus standi; Maritime limitation of liability; Destination of monetary sanctions; Definition of pollution damage
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2009.10.005

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, when it becomes law, may well be considered a welcome addition to the legislation protecting the marine coastal environment. It is argued, however, in this paper that the Bill could have addressed a number of issues including the matter of shipowners’ privileges, locus standi, the designation and setting up of an environmental fund, and the difficulties associated with places of refuge for vessels in distress.