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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

I shall speak briefly to my Amendment A231, which is grouped with those of my noble friend. This amendment seeks to explore why the Government have defined marine environmental matters under this section as, ""the conservation of flora or fauna"." The amendment would change that to "of flora and fauna". We know that conservationists will come together with members of the fishing community, and it seems that, by taking this slightly divisive approach—that is, not recognising that marine environmental matters should mean conservation of the marine ecosystem—the Government are opening up the possibility of a rift for an IFCA right at the beginning. The conservation of fauna—that is, the fish—would, understandably, be of prime importance to the fishing members of the IFCA but the conservation-minded members might be more interested in preserving the eelgrass beds and feel that all fishing should be prohibited therein. Therefore, I think that the wording creates a division that should not be there. Perhaps the Minister can give me a reason for that.