Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

The Minister has done very well in his attempt to respond to these many points, which are so important. We listen very carefully. Ecological coherence seems crucial. What is ecological coherence? Do we know how far fish will swim? What makes them swim? Will they go against the tide and the current? Will they swim from one temperature to another, as they would have to on each side of the Shetland Islands, for example? All these things will need to be known. Are the Government carrying the devolved Administrations along with them in commissioning research? If they do not agree on the research, this will not work. Do the Government know how far along the research is? Will it be possible to decide on the boundaries of the zones within the foreseeable future? Are the Government optimistic? These are huge issues. But it is important to carry everyone along. There are those who would like to have a squabble about these zones, which we do not want because it will not work if there are squabbles.