Ms Ellen McMahon:

Jobs can exist in the biodiversity sector, especially when it comes to restoration projects and the need for active restoration in the marine environment. Nature-based solutions provide approximately one third of climate change mitigation globally but they attract less than 3% of the funds to address climate change. There is definitely a need for investment to support job creation in the sector. In terms of an independent agency for monitoring enforcement of offshore renewable energy, under the marine planning Bill, the maritime area regulatory authority, MARA, will be established. This regulatory agency will look at compliance with regard to offshore renewable energy. What the exact remit or functions of the agency will be I do not have to hand but certainly we need an independent agency that can monitor the effects of these sites on the marine ecosystem and to look at decommissioning. It will be a learning experience but having an independent regulatory or enforcement agency would be very beneficial.