Marine Protected Areas - a step too far?

Ministers have been warned aquatic reserves off the Westcountry coast risk undermining vital shipping, fishing and leisure industries.
Conservative MP Sarah Newton has claimed many proposed marine conservation zones are “inappropriate” and causing a “huge outcry” in coastal communities.

 

Last month, plans were published that could see 25 per cent of the UK’s seas protected – a vast increase on 1 per cent at present – to provide sanctuary for wildlife and habitats. It is a result of legislation passed under Labour. A total of 58 aquatic national parks are earmarked for the South West, much to the delight of conservation groups, and now await Government approval. But in a House of Commons debate, Mrs Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said the proposals risked jeopardising livelihoods and coastal regeneration. The highest level of protection could be placed on part of the Fal estuary, which the town council claims threatens “350 years of history and shipping power”, MPs heard.

A total of 13 underwater areas in the South West have been named “reference” sites – zones where any exploitation or damage by industry, such as dredging, will be banned. They include Lyme Bay off the south coast of Devon and Dorset, an area close to Lundy in the Bristol Channel and the Erme estuary, South Devon.

Mrs Newton said: “I am sure that Falmouth and other parts of Cornwall are not the only coastal communities that feel that the current recommended sites for marine protected areas are inappropriate.” While supportive of the principle of conservation zones, she added there was concern that plans fail to “strike the right balance between sustainable economic, social and environmental protection”. In Falmouth, a £100 million plan to lure cruise liners and large ships to the town awaits approval to dredge the docks to create a deep water channel. But the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the Government agency that licences marine activity, is concerned over the environmental impact.

In Mrs Newton’s Commons adjournment debate, she said there should be a “level playing field” when the MMO – which will eventually be charged with maintaining the integrity of the conservation zones – takes evidence. She suggested that academics and businesses are not on “equal terms” with conservation bodies such as Natural England. Mrs Newton – who pointed out yacht builders, Olympic sailors and the Navy all operate from Falmouth’s waters – also said there should be greater opportunity for appeals against applications thrown out.

Another recommended “reference” site is Cape Bank off Land’s End, Cornwall. Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, whose constituency it falls within, said appeals were necessary. He added: “Low-impact fishing takes place (at Cape Bank) at the moment, but that would be stopped, with the unintended consequence of discouraging the very type of fishing that I should have thought the (2009 Marine and Coastal Access) Act was intended to protect.” But Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, of the Marine Conservation Society, said Falmouth seabed’s “unique and fragile habitat” and “rich” wildlife needs more protection. He said: “A rather small area of sea has been proposed for protection, following recent consultations carried out throughout England.”

In the Commons, Environment Minister Richard Benyon said the MMO was “acutely aware” of the impact of its decisions. Proposals for a total of 127 zones drawn-up by independent bodies sit on the minister’s desk following a “tortuous process with many hours of work”, Mr Benyon said. “I stress, ministers themselves will examine all the evidence before deciding which sites to put forward for public consultation,” he added.

Article courtesy of the Western Morning News.