This in from Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner. MCZs protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English and Welsh territorial and UK offshore waters. Ed
On 30th January the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced the launch of the second tranche MCZ consultation, and that they had selected only the Needles site from four possible sites around the Isle of Wight.
In November last year the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, arranged for a range of Island representatives including commercial, yachting and environmental interests to meet with Marine Environment Minister, George Eustice MP.
Minister urged to recognise other factors
Whilst all groups supported Marine environmental protection, the Minister was also urged to recognise important social, transport and public interest priorities.
Speaking after the announcement of the Needles site, Mr Turner said:
“Local knowledge is clearly vital when looking at these decisions and I was glad that the Minister took note of the concerns raised by various parties on the Island. This has enabled DEFRA to make a well-informed decision on possible local sites in this second tranche MCZ consultation.
“I hope that some of those parties concerned such as Wightlink can now be reassured. The Government will now be looking at the detailed management plans for any sites that go forward – I urge those interested to engage in the consultation which is now open”
Have your say by taking part in the MCZ consultation which runs until 24 April 2015.
Image: Guy Quayle under CC BY 2.0
