What are Marine Conservation Zones?

Marine Conservation Zones are a new way of extending environmental protection in our seas. They will protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology. Sites will be selected to protect the range of marine wildlife, not just the rare and threatened.

Around England, Marine Conservation Zones will be part of a network of protected areas at sea. This network will also include:

·         Sites of Special Scientific Interest
·         Special Areas of Conservation
·         Special Protection Areas
·         Ramsar sites

Who recommends Marine Conservation Zones?

A ‘stakeholder group’ made up of people with an interest in the Irish Sea is at the heart of the process. They will recommend where the conservation zones should be, and what form the protection should take.

We expect the government to accept the recommended sites, providing they meet certain ecological criteria that the stakeholder group will be working with.

We work at arm’s length from our national partners and an independent, professional facilitator is in charge of setting up the stakeholder group.

It’s important that we hear from everyone with an interest in the Irish Sea. People who are not on the stakeholder group still have important information and opinions to contribute. Our liaison officers are talking to as many people as possible.

Where will Marine Conservation Zones be?

We don’t yet know where the conservation zones are likely to be because the stakeholder group has not made its recommendations. The recommendations are due to be made to the government in June 2011.

However, we know that the recommended sites must meet certain scientific criteria, while seeking to minimise the social and economic costs and maximise the benefits to society.

What activities may be restricted?

We don’t yet know what activities may be restricted in the conservation zones. It will depend on what species or habitats are being protected and will be decided on a case by case basis as the stakeholder group makes it recommendations.

However, it is important to understand that some activities will be restricted. That’s why it’s important to have your say now.