Defra has today
published the Government strategy to deliver a network of Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs) across the United Kingdom.
Marine Protected Areas will be vital to protect many species of
sea life, from the rare and threatened to the more common, as well
as helping ensure our seas and oceans remain healthy and clean.
The strategy sets out that all UK Governments, agencies and those
with an interest in protecting our seas are committed to
delivering a coherent network of MPAs to meet international, EU
and national commitments contained in the groundbreaking Marine
and Coastal Access Act.
Launching the UK Government strategy, Marine Environment
Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“Our ‘blue’ spaces are just as important as our green spaces for
our very existence. The seas and oceans help to provide us with
the air we breathe, strongly affect the world’s climate and
support 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. They need the
same protection as the land. This strategy looks to the longer
term, and will help to deliver a network of MPAs that will provide
this protection so that we achieve our aim of a healthy, clean and
vibrant marine environment.”
The network will be made up from conservation measures including:
· Marine Conservation Zones, included in the Marine and Coastal
Access Act 2009;
· Marine Protected Areas, designated under the Marine (Scotland)
Act 2010;
· Special Areas of Conservation – a requirement of the EU
Habitats Directive;
· Special Protection Areas designated under the EU Wild Birds Directive;
· Sites of Special Scientific Interest; and
· Ramsar sites which protect important wetlands.
The Strategy also sets out how MPAs will be considered in wider
planning and licensing functions administered by the new Marine
Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO will play an important role
in helping to deliver conservation objectives and will ensure that
any adverse affect on MPAs will, as far as possible be avoided.
Notes to editors
1. A copy of the strategy can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/protected/mpa/index.htm
2. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 received Royal Assent
in November 2009 and came into law in January 2010. Further
information on the Act can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/legislation/mcaa/index.htm
3. The area around Lundy Island became England’s first Marine
Conservation Zone on 12 January 2010.
4. Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
are the statutory bodies responsible for giving advice on marine
conservation matters.
5. The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for conservation
measures in territorial waters adjacent to Wales. The Scottish
Government is responsible for delivering conservation measures in
both territorial and offshore waters adjacent to Scotland.
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk