A list of 73 proposed MCZ's
Nov 10, 2009 15:39:19 GMT -1
Post by SEAJUNKY on Nov 10, 2009 15:39:19 GMT -1
MCS put forward 73 new marine reserves
By Jo Mattock
A list of 73 proposed sites for marine conservation zones has been compiled by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and The Co-operative Group.
Map of proposed sites
www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=5414
The sites are the 'jewels in the crown' of the UK's underwater riches, according to the charity, and have been identified by six years of surveying work by divers across the UK. Currently, only 6 sq km of the UK's seas are marine reserves - protecting these 73 sites would increase that to 212 sq km.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, biodiversity project officer at MCS, said: 'Our 73 recommended reserves would help protect a spectacular array of nationally important marine life and habitat, which many would be surprised to find in UK seas, from vibrant cold water corals to rare seahorses and giant basking sharks.'
Miranda Krestovnikoff, presenter of BBC's Coast who unveiled the list, said: 'For far too long, we have left our valuable, living seas open to any and every form of exploitation. I've dived with survey divers, gathering records of the rich but fragile wildlife that occurs in our seas. Marine reserves are needed - they really do allow wildlife to recover and thrive.'
The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which is due to become law later this week, calls for the government to designate a network of marine conservation zones. The protection offered by these zones will vary - but some will be 'no take' areas where commercial fishing and dredging is banned.
These 73 sites would still only fully protect 0.13 per cent of UK waters from damage by fishing and trawling. Scientists suggest 30 per cent of our seas should be protected if fish stocks are to recover from decades of over fishing.
You can vote online for sites you would like to see protected as part of the MCS's 'Your Seas Your Voice' campaign. www.mcsuk.org
By Jo Mattock
A list of 73 proposed sites for marine conservation zones has been compiled by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and The Co-operative Group.
Map of proposed sites
www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=5414
The sites are the 'jewels in the crown' of the UK's underwater riches, according to the charity, and have been identified by six years of surveying work by divers across the UK. Currently, only 6 sq km of the UK's seas are marine reserves - protecting these 73 sites would increase that to 212 sq km.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, biodiversity project officer at MCS, said: 'Our 73 recommended reserves would help protect a spectacular array of nationally important marine life and habitat, which many would be surprised to find in UK seas, from vibrant cold water corals to rare seahorses and giant basking sharks.'
Miranda Krestovnikoff, presenter of BBC's Coast who unveiled the list, said: 'For far too long, we have left our valuable, living seas open to any and every form of exploitation. I've dived with survey divers, gathering records of the rich but fragile wildlife that occurs in our seas. Marine reserves are needed - they really do allow wildlife to recover and thrive.'
The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which is due to become law later this week, calls for the government to designate a network of marine conservation zones. The protection offered by these zones will vary - but some will be 'no take' areas where commercial fishing and dredging is banned.
These 73 sites would still only fully protect 0.13 per cent of UK waters from damage by fishing and trawling. Scientists suggest 30 per cent of our seas should be protected if fish stocks are to recover from decades of over fishing.
You can vote online for sites you would like to see protected as part of the MCS's 'Your Seas Your Voice' campaign. www.mcsuk.org