4. What representations has the Counsel General made on behalf of the Welsh Government regarding the enforcement of maritime laws? OAQ(5)0022(CG)

Members will know that I place great value on the protection of marine natural resources and you will be aware of the active prosecution work being undertaken by me on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Thank you, Counsel General. What consideration has the Counsel General given to how prosecutions of maritime offences could be made more effective?

There’s no doubt that we’re going to be in an environment, first, that is going to be more challenging, but it’s never been more important to actually be protecting not only our maritime and our environmental resources, but ensuring that Welsh laws in that respect are fully protected and implemented. I previously reported on the number of infringements that have led to successful prosecutions and that work will actually continue. I think it is important not only that we prosecute, but that we also respect the role and the work that’s carried out by our enforcement officers, who actually, day in, day out, often in difficult environments—maritime and on our coastland—are supporting the implementation of Welsh laws, which leads to the protection of our resources.

I’ve met with those enforcement officers. I’ve discussed the issues relating to the evidence and the processes that they have to undertake to actually ensure that the outcomes of their investigations are successful, and I will continue to do so vigilantly. But I do want to put on record our thanks and recognition of the work that they actually do. That is not only important now, but will be increasingly important in the future.