WIREDGOV

MPs have cast doubt on the Government’s commitment to protect sea life in Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ).  It is now well over 4 years since the launch of the programme, yet only 27 of the 127 sites recommended have been designated & inadequate enforcement provisions put in place.  

The MPs are calling on the Government to bring forward the MCZ programme, so that more Zones are designated in the next phase, due in 2015.  Ministers should follow a precautionary principle approach to designating new Zones, according to the Committee, and use the ‘best available’ data rather than applying the more stringent evidence standards recently introduced by the Government – which require data that is much harder & more expensive to obtain.

• Marine-Life Protection Zones need to be speeded up
• Marine Conservation Society
• Natural England:  Marine Conservation Zones
• Marine conservation zone 2013 designations - GOV.UK ~ Marine Conservation Zones - JNCC - Defra
• Marine Conservation Zone Project - JNCC - Defra
• Marine Management Organisation:  MCZ
• New network to protect valuable marine life
• Marine Conservation Zones: response to an article in the Times
• Recognition for an internationally important wildlife site between the Mersey and the Dee
• Report says Marine Conservation Zones are vital
• Additional work to look at Marine Conservation Zones in Wales
• Next steps for Marine Conservation Zones
• Dogger Bank to get special marine protection