Download pptx - Marine Conservation Zones- David Harpley

Living Seas North West

Paul Naylor, marinephoto.co.uk

Protecting Wildlife for the Future

Marine Conservation Zones in the Irish Sea

David HarpleyConservation Manager




What are MCZs?• New type of marine nature reserve

– Arising from Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009)

• Protect nationally important species and habitats

Photo: Paul Naylor






• 127 sites recommended nationally after 2 ½ year consultation process – Four regional stakeholder groups






• 127 sites recommended nationally after 2 ½ year consultation process– Involving four regional stakeholder groups– Included 19 in the Irish Sea



What has happened so far?• A phased approach

• ……thanks to your help we have really made a difference!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIRIy5lnR5w



Tranche 1• 31 sites were consulted on in early 2013

• 27 sites were then designated in November 2013 including 2 Irish Sea sites:

Cumbria Coast MCZ

Fylde Offshore MCZ

2 in the Irish Sea



Tranche 1

Photo: Paul Naylor

Photo: Paul Naylor



Tranche 2: 2015-2016• 37 provisional candidate sites

announced nationally• Aim to fill the big gaps in the

ecological network



Tranche 2: 2015-2016• 7 sites being considered in

the Irish Sea:– Allonby Bay– Mud Hole– West of Walney– Slieve na Griddle– South Rigg– Mid St George’s Channel– North St George’s Channel

Allonby Bay. Photo: NWIFCA



Tranche 3: 2016-2017• Looking to fill the final gaps in the network to

make it:– Ecologically coherent– Representative– Connected– Resilient – Well-managed

• Limited options in the Irish Sea– Sites not included in Tranche 2

Photo: Paul Kay

Photo: Amy Lewis



What can you do to help?• Become a “Friend of an MCZ”• Write a personal response to the

consultations• Sign-up for the Living Seas

newsletter• Join your local Wildlife Trust

See your delegate packs for details Photo: Eleanor Stone



Thank you!

Photo: Eleanor Stone