Our long-term general objective is to cease discharges of hazardous substances to the seas around our shores. We will make every endeavour to move towards this objective, based on a careful assessment of risks, costs, and benefits. On shipping, we shall continue to promote more effective regulation and enforcement through the International Maritime Organisation and better collective implementation in Europe. On the offshore industry, we are considering, with the industry, how environmental regulation can be made more consistent and transparent. We would welcome views on how these objectives can be addressed.
Many fish stocks are at worryingly low levels because of over-exploitation.
We are working with our partners within the Community to reform the Common Fisheries Policy to achieve more effective fisheries conservation, thereby safeguarding the livelihood of those who depend on the fishing industry and benefiting the wider marine environment. We would welcome your views on the best ways to take this policy forward. Fish stocks above Minimum Biological Acceptable Level Countryside, land and wildlife 75. Pressures on wildlife and landscape including from agriculture, roads and developments, and pollution have led to declines in populations of animals and plants, the disappearance of hedgerows, and a loss of tranquillity in our countryside. We must reduce those pressures.