Hilbre Island in the Dee, a santuary for a huge variety of marine life (c) National Oceanography Centre
As stakeholder recommendations for a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around England are today made public (8 September), The Wildlife Trusts have reminded the Government of its commitment to create a well managed ecologically coherent network covering at least 25% of English waters by 2016.
This ambitious – and achievable – target is set out in the recently published England Biodiversity Strategy, ‘Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services’, in which the Government proposes to reverse the decline of biodiversity in our seas and help to restore them to their full potential.
There are 16 proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea
The Wildlife Trusts believe the Government must designate the vast majority of recommendations proposed by the appointed stakeholder groups to achieve its commitment. 27% of English waters would be covered if the entire network is designated.
There are 16 proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea Conservation Zone project that affects the waters off the Cheshire and Wirral coast.
The four regional groups were set up by Government, following the passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) in 2009, to consult on where Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), a form of MPA, should be sited around England. The Wildlife Trusts have been actively involved in them all, providing local, regional and national expertise.
It is essential that this opportunity is not wasted
Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The network recommendations mark a huge step in the right direction. This is the result of a great deal of hard work from many stakeholders. It is essential that this opportunity is not wasted. There are high expectations which need to be met. A strong and complete network of MPAs must be presented to the public by the Government next year. If it falters or fails in its designation, there’s no doubt it will fall short of reaching its own target.
MPAs are essential for the future of marine life, and The Wildlife Trusts are running a campaign to gain public support for them, called Petition Fish.
Petition Fish at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port (c) Tom Marshall
Currently, only 0.001% of the UK’s marine environment is fully protected from damaging activities. Fish stocks have collapsed and species including corals, seahorses, whales, seals and basking sharks have all suffered declines.
Currently, only 0.001% of the UK’s marine environment is fully protected
Research from around the world shows now is a critical moment for marine conservation, with extinction rates at an all-time high. Key scientists have published a report recommending the creation of MPAs for restoring and protecting significantly damaged marine ecosystems. Protection of key marine areas from damaging activities is one vital element in achieving the Government’s own vision of ‘productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’ and turning around decades of decline.
Joan Edwards continued: “True sustainability in the marine environment will be achieved only if we create a substantial network of MPAs across our seas; areas which work together to provide protection for the full range of habitats and species found in our waters.”
The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) will put forward its own thoughts on an MPA network to public consultation in summer 2012
