done and dusted
Its interesting as we (Natural England) are the organisation that designates the MPA`s and HPMR`s (Marine protected areas and Highly Protected Marine Reserves) upto the 12nm limit. We were at the dive show promoting these protected areas working hand in hand with the Wildlife Trusts and MCS - both of whom are NGO`s and have no statutory function with the designation of sites.
With the marine bill that is coming through parliament in late 2006/early 2007 this will give us more power to designate MPA`s. Currently there are 51 marine protected areas in English waters - this includes estuarine, offshore sand banks and mudflats, beaches and geological features. These are all protected under EU law as Special areas of conservation (SAC`s) - but alas we only have one HPMR which is lundy - and the results speak for itself with the lobby sizes being 35-40% larger than the surrounding ones that are potted. Now that the population over 3 years has become too large, the larger lobbies are now "spilling" out of the HPMR into the surrounding environment - a win win situation for us and the local fishermen (more catch weight per unit effort)
This is the same thing that we wanted for Lyme Bay - a rather contentious issue. Originally there was a network of 7 areas within the 60 sq miles of the bay that were fished by scallop fishermen. Of these areas there was always 3 that were as voluntary no take zones (like St Abbs), and the other four fished within reason.
The issue being now is that Bridgeport marina has been upgraded giving "other" non-local fishermen an over night berth, thus fishing pressure has increased and the boats started to fish the voluntary no take zones. This area in lyme bay is rich in Pink Sea Fans, which are protected under the 1981 countryside and wildlife act. The scallop bags destry the reefs leaving mud and shite behind and this will take 10+ years to recover.
In May 2006 we submitted a fishery stop order on the bay, for 60sq miles to have it designated as an MPA. If designated as a SAC, all activities (including diving) would have to be licensed to show that there would not be a significant impact on the particular species that the site was designated for and that no adverse effect would occur on the integrity of the site.
DEFRA gave us 13 Sq miles, over 7 areas - which is no different, if not slightly less than the current voluntary no take areas.
So we are still trying to find a way of getting the whole area designated, without stepping on peoples toes.
If anyone wants anymoer information about MPA`s, SAC`s, HPMR`s - drop me a PM and i can send natural england scientific reports to you for free.
ATB
Keith