Photo: Dolphin Surfing by George Karbus, winner of the RSWT Photo Competition 2013

News that the UK government are to create 27 Marine Conservation Zones has been met with a positive response from conservation groups – however, many are warning that this is just the first step, and that much more must be done to protect the marine life (endangered or otherwise) that inhabits UK waters. Here’s what the Cornwall Wildlife Trust has to say on the matter:

As the Government today confirms immediate designation of 27 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), Cornwall Wildlife Trust welcomes this first step towards the creation of a network so absolutely vital to ensure the healthy future of our seas.

Cornwall will benefit from four coastal Marine Conservation Zones in sites with outstanding marine life: The Manacles, Padstow Bay and surrounds, Whitsand and Looe bay, and Upper Fowey and Point Pill. Nearby, the Isles of Scilly and Tamar Estuaries will also benefit from creation of MCZs. There are also three offshore MCZs being designated off Cornwall: the Canyons, South West Deeps and East of Haig Fras.

Photo: Matt Slater

Ruth Williams, Living Seas Manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“Marine Conservation Zones as part of a network of protected areas are one of the best tools to protect marine wildlife effectively and restore our seas to their full potential following decades of neglect and decline. We welcome this long awaited news that finally our coastal marine wildlife will be provided the greater recognition and protection it deserves…

This first step in the creation of a network of Marine Conservation zones will help make the future of our inspiring marine life more secure, and will aid recovery of our valued marine areas.”

“ We would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who have been invaluable in collecting information to support this campaign and for helping to raise public awareness of the need for Marine Conservation Zones. It is also heartening to hear that the Government has committed to establishing more Marine Conservation Zones over the coming four years. Cornwall has many more rich and vitally important marine sites that still require urgent protection so our campaign doesn’t end here.”

Photo: Tony Sutton

Joan Edwards, The Wildlife Trusts’ Head of Living Seas says,

“Marine protection is an issue which matters to anyone who has ever spent happy afternoons exploring rockpools or been enchanted by chance encounters with dolphins, whales or one of the many other captivating species we enjoy in our waters.”

“It is vital for the appropriate management of the 27 designated sites to be implemented as soon as possible.  We look forward to working with Government to ensure this happens.

“We are buoyed by the Government’s commitment to establishing future tranches of Marine Conservation Zones, demonstrating that it also remains committed to completing the ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas so desperately needed.”

This announcement brings us closer to realising our vision of Living Seas where marine wildlife is able to thrive and recover from human impacts. Well protected marine ecosystems will be more resilient to future challenges from climate change and ocean acidification and healthy seas are also vital to support productive fisheries for the future.

Designation of 27 Marine Conservation Zones: