This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, has said he is pleased with the outcome of the visit this week of Richard Benyon MP, Minister in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (listen to OnTheWight’s interview with Mr Benyon. Ed).
The Minister visited the Island on Monday to hear the concerns of Islanders about the potential introduction of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and their effect on the Isle of Wight.
Following private meetings with local Harbour Masters, commercial fishermen, anglers and other stakeholders, Mr Benyon addressed a packed public meeting of around 120 at the Riverside Centre in Newport. There are potentially four MCZs around the Island, but none have been approved to go forward this year.
The Minister answered questions from local conservationists, yachtsmen, fishermen and other concerned residents with a range of views expressed both in favour of and against the scheme.
Mr Turner said:
“I received a huge amount of correspondence about the proposed MCZs so I felt the best solution was to invite the Minister dealing with the issue to the Island, to give residents the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to him. I told him that there were high levels both of interest and knowledge here that stretches back generations – and he very quickly recognised that.
“I was very pleased with the turn-out at the public meeting. The Minister had already listened carefully to what various people, with local knowledge, had to say and I know he will consider the points raised in any future decisions concerning the Island’s waters. The public consultation is open until Sunday – so if anybody still has any points they want to put forward about the MCZ proposals in general they can do so. But, as always the devil is in the detail and there will be further consultation on specific management plans before any MCZs around the Island are agreed.
“Unlike some other conservation designations the economic and social impact of MCZs must be taken into account before they are approved, so for example the moorings used by the Redwings at Bembridge could not be simply be summarily removed. The Minister is confident, and so am I, that we can find a way forward that balances the importance of conserving our sea-beds, the plants and animals that live there with the various commercial and recreational activities that take place on and in the waters surrounding the Island.”
