Commons2nd reading

Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

A Bill to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of the protection of pinnipeds and cetaceans; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Andrew GeorgeLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

26 March 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to strengthen protection for pinnipeds and cetaceans (seals, whales and dolphins) in UK waters. It would clarify and extend protections and introduce related enforcement measures to help safeguard these marine mammals.

Key Points

Amends the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to provide greater protection for pinnipeds and cetaceans (seals, whales and dolphins) in UK waters.
Introduces connected provisions to support enforcement, compliance and penalties for offences involving marine mammals.
Applies to activities in UK waters and interactions with these species, aiming to reduce harm and disturbance.

Who is affected?

Pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises)Fishermen, ship operators, boaters and other maritime usersCoastal communities and tourism/recreation businessesWildlife and conservation organisationsLaw enforcement agencies (police, coastguard) and prosecutorsResearchers and scientists studying marine mammalsMembers of the public who encounter marine mammals on land or at sea

Generated 27 March 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

25 Mar 2026

2nd readingCommons

17 Apr 2026

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

26 Mar 2026

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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Commons2nd reading

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Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

A Bill to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of the protection of pinnipeds and cetaceans; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Andrew GeorgeLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

26 March 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

Key Points

Amends the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to provide greater protection for pinnipeds and cetaceans (seals, whales and dolphins) in UK waters.
Introduces connected provisions to support enforcement, compliance and penalties for offences involving marine mammals.
Applies to activities in UK waters and interactions with these species, aiming to reduce harm and disturbance.

Who is affected?

Generated 27 March 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

25 Mar 2026

2nd readingCommons

17 Apr 2026

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

26 Mar 2026

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.