Responding to the statement from Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Climate Change Minister, said:
“Whilst the statement from the Minister is welcome, when considering that most of Wales is surrounded by the ocean, it is a shame that it has taken until now for the Welsh Government to pay attention to our marine environment.
“I welcome this first wave of action to protect and enhance our seas and coastal areas. 113 million tonnes of carbon is stored in the top 10cm of marine sediments in Wales. Practices such as bottom trawling, dredging, and the construction of offshore infrastructure can significantly disrupt these sediments, so we must ensure that the carbon release created by such activities is not only considered but combated.
“There is no doubt in my mind that blue carbon should be accounted for in carbon budgets, and that there must be a clear plan for using blue carbon to help achieve Net Zero 2050. No more do I want to hear the excuse that there is scientific uncertainty.
“As we heard from the ex-First Minister last week – this Welsh Parliament should not be afraid of being trailblazers”.
