The BBC's Blue Planet series is opening our eyes to the wonder and variety of marine wildlife. Now there is a real chance to improve the law protecting the marine environment around England and Wales.

Today, the Marine Wildlife Conservation Bill is to be debated in Parliament. I brought this Bill forward because our nationally-important marine wildlife sites are not well enough protected and we need to change this. My Bill is supported by MPs from all parties, as well as the RSPB and other environmental organisations.

Many people may be surprised to discover how close they live to sites which would benefit from my Bill. Some of the best examples around the coast of Sussex include the Seven Sisters and the wreck of HMS Northcoates. These sites support a range of special marine species, including cowries, sponges, leopard spotted gobies, butterfish and Devonshire cup corals.

My Bill is only a first step towards what I hope will be comprehensive laws to protect marine wildlife but it is an important step and I hope as many MPs as possible will come to the House of Commons to support it. To find out more about the Bill, you can visit the RSPB's website at rspb.org.uk

-John Randall MP, House of Commons