8 Sep 2011

Hidden UK sea life in line for special protection

Proposed marine conservation zones aim to protect wildlife at 127 sites around England and Wales but as Science Correspondent Tom Clarke reports, some fishermen fear it could damage their business.

The proposed marine conservation zones (MCZs) include the sea surrounding the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, and range in size from a huge area of 2,200 square miles of the south west coast, to 100 acres of coastal saltmarsh and mud flats in a North Sea estuary.

The protection areas were drawn up by four regional groups in collaboration with conservation and special interest groups.

The MCZs, which total nearly 14,500 square miles, have been proposed to conserve wildlife, habitats and geology. Officials say commercial interests were also taken into account, including fishing, offshore energy projects and recreational activities.

Of the suggested sites, 65 areas have been marked out for the highest protection to preserve species of marine life and their habitats. All damaging activity, such as fishing or dredging, would be banned in these areas, which make up two per cent of the recommended MCZs.

Marine Minister Richard Benyon said the proposals were a step forward for the protection of marine life: “The thousands of species of sea life and habitats that live hidden under our waters need just as much protection as those we can see on our land.”

A first for UK legislation

The four regional groups carried out over 2,500 interviews with relevant stakeholders who make use of the sea, both for commercial and recreational purposes. The large-scale public consultation process, which officials say resulted in over one million individuals’ interests being considered through stakeholder groups, is a first for UK legislation.

‘Fully protected sites have been shown to yield a four-fold increase in the weight of marine species, while species diversity increases by 20 per cent’. Melissa Moore, Marine Conservation Society

The recommendations will now be reviewed by an independent scientific panel, together with government agencies Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The final list of MCZs will be announced next year as part of the marine and coastal access act.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) called on the government to accept the proposed protection zones. “Fully protected sites have been shown to yield a four-fold increase in the weight of marine species, while species diversity increases by 20 per cent,” said Melissa Moore, MCS senior policy officer.

“There are benefits for fishermen too, with protected areas leasing to some replenishment of stocks.”

Proposed marine conservation zones

Among the areas proposed for marine conservation zones status are –

Offshore Brighton: due south of Brighton close to the median line with France, this area was put forward for protection of three habitats, including the relatively rare deep water rock.

Utopia: off the east coast of Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight, this area is a unique outcrop of rock with larger boulders that creates a reef-like structure sticking up from the seabed in deep water.

The site was discovered in 2005 by University of Southampton divers and was put forward for protection because of the rare and fragile sponge, sea anemones and other marine species.

Hilbre Island group: this zone would focus around three small islands in the mouth of the River Dee, off the coast of Merseyside, which can be reached on foot at low tide.

South West Deeps: at 2,200 square miles, this is the biggest of all the recommended MCZs and aims to protect three sea bed habitats and the Celtic Sea relict sandbanks.