This in from Conservative Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, is asking Island residents to let him know their views on the new proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), 37 which are to go forward for consultation, probably in early 2015.
Six of the proposed new areas are around the Isle of Wight. MCZs are a relatively new type of protected area for the marine environment; they are designed to give appropriate protection to areas that are important to conserve the diversity of rare or threatened habitats or species.
Mr Turner has secured a meeting next Wednesday with the Minister responsible for the Marine Environment, George Eustice MP (pictured right) and prior to the meeting he wants to have information on the reasons people support the proposals, as well as any concerns they may have about them.
Mr Turner said:
“I asked for this meeting because I have had a number of people contact me expressing concerns as well as support. Prior to the first tranche of MCZ approvals the then Minister, Richard Benyon MP (pictured left) visited the Island and gave assurances that any approved MCZs would have appropriate management plans in place.
“He recognised that the protection of the environment must be balanced with the way in which Islanders work, live and play on the water that surrounds us.
“I know those assurances still stand, but as George is a new Minister I would like to give him first-hand, early information on the views of Islanders – as we are probably affected more than any other constituency by these proposals. Of course everybody will also have the opportunity to respond to the formal consultation when that starts next year.”
Image: George Eustice under CC BY 2.0
