News Archive
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The Government has published its UK Marine Science Strategy- a mandate on sustainable use of the seas and managing climate change. The document describes coordination of devolved UK governments in providing a direction for future marine science. Understanding of marine ecosystems, responding to climate change and sustainable ecosystem uses and benefits are outlined as the three highest priorities.
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The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton will again host the 3rd annual International Ocean Stewardship Forum. The forum seeks to faciliate the integration of marine science, policy and law within ocean governance and thereby develop a sustainable operational strategy for marine policy. Please visit the IOSF website to register and to get more details. Only 100 registrants will be accepted.
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Oceans 2025 is a program that brings marine scientists together to improve public understanding and engagement in the marine environment. It improves knowledge of the changing seas and assesses their societal and ecological impacts at present and in the future. The annual Oceans 2025 science meeting, to be held at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth, will discuss the translation of science into policy, stakeholder involvement and how technological developments should be integrated. Interested persons can register here.
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While the recent introduction of England and Wales's Marine and Coastal Access Act has led to designation of the first Marine Conservation Zone, the devolved administration of Northern Ireland is still a year away from introducing their own version to the assembly. The Northern Ireland Marine Task Force, a collection of eight NGOs, fears that Northern Ireland is not working quickly enough to select and designate an ecologically coherent network of MPAs. Although Strangford Lough is already a Marine Nature Reserve, the taskforce has identified at least 13 other areas in need of protection in Northern Irish seas.
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Although plans are underway by the UK's foreign office to create the world's largest MPA in the Chagos archipelago, some scientists are concerned over the lack of involvement of the exiled Chagos islanders and their Mauritian government. The government of Mauritius has boycotted a recent planning meeting in England after Prime Minister Gordon Brown failed to organize a bilateral discussion at that meeting, despite committing to doing so at the Commonwealth summit in November. Designation of the MPA does not preclude re-settlement of the Chagosians and debate continues as to whether the islanders, if allowed to return, should play a role in monitoring the pristine marine ecology of the region and whether they should be allowed to resume their fishing rights in the area.
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The January-February issue examines the evidence behind MPAs acting as sources for nearby fisheries, the effects and alternatives of seismic surveying methods in MPAs and provides a list of climate change-related resources as a follow up to the Copenhagen meeting.
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Finding Sanctuary is inviting anyone in Plymouth and Falmouth who uses the sea for work or pleasure to share their knowledge and experience during their drop-in days. The information gathered from the public will be used to map the useage of the waters in the southwest and will provide useful data in the planning of new Marine Conservation Zones for 2012. Finding Sanctuary will be at Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth from 10am to 8pm on January 19th and at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth from 10am to 8pm on January 27th. Information on the new MCZs will be available. Plans to hold days in Bude, Bideford, Poole and Bristol are also underway.
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Nine offshore zones will be developed for wind turbine development and the Crown Estate has announced the successful Round 3 bidders for each of them. The Round 3 generation aims to produce one-quarter of the UK's electricity needs by 2020. The nine zones include offshore regions of the Moray Firth, the Firth of Forth, Dogger Bank, Hornsea, Norfolk Bank, Hastings, western Isle of Wight, the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea.
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Natural England announced today that Lundy Island, situated in the mouth of the Bristol Channel, has been designated as the UK's first MCZ under the Marine and Coastal Access Act. Because of the impressive diversity of marine wildlife and associated habitats that surround the island, Lundy had previously been designated as both a Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Its MCZ status replaces the former MNR designation under the Marine Act.
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A project, termed Project 50%, led by CEFAS has succesfully reduced the number of juvenile fish discarded by the Devon trawler fishery by 57%. Working in partnership with local fishermen, CEFAS scientists reduced discards by increasing mesh sizes to allow juveniles to escape nets. The reduced weight of nets provide the added benefit of reduced net drag and fuel consumption of trawler vessels. CEFAS has stressed that the key to success in this project was an understanding of the lives and attitudes of trawlermen, allowing development of the improvements in collaboration with fishermen.
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An upcoming meeting on the future of coastal management and planning will discuss the effects of climate change, renewable energy development, fisheries, MPA creation and Marine Act policies on coastal environments. Among the scheduled talks is an opening address to be delivered by the Government's Minister for Marine & Natural Environment. The conference is sponsored by Natural England, JNCC, the Crown Estate and WWF (among others) and will take place in London at the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre on the 20th and 21st of January.
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A new paper, published in the journal Animal Conservation, finds that certain whale species are prone to disturbance from commercial whale-watching activity. They suggest that even small MPAs in feeding areas could mitigate this effect. Models of inshore whale activity were used to determine optimal MPA sizes, which were predicted to increase the occurrence of feeding whales by over 250%. The study was co-authored by researchers from Scotland, Canada and the U.S.A.
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Next week sees the start of a two week programme of roadshow events to be hosted by Net Gain: The North Sea Marine Conservation Zones Project. The project team, based in Hull, hopes that the roadshow will mark the beginning of a strong working relationship with as many sea users and interest groups as possible throughout the Net Gain project area, which runs from the Scottish border in the north to Felixstowe in the south. To find out when the project team might be coming to a place near you, follow the link to teh Net Gain Website.
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The Dee and Severn Estuaries have completed a long consultation process, beginning in 1995, and have become active Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Together, they represent an addition of about 88,000 hectares to Wales' total EU-designated MPA area. The new designation means improved legal protection for the two estuaries, although management and protection measures will not necessarily be changed. The Dee Estuary has also been designated as a RAMSAR site under the international wetlands convention.
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The UN climate conference will dedicate a day to climate change impacts on oceans and coastlines. Among the issues to be discussed are acidification and rises in sea level that will have wide-ranging effects on marine ecosystems. For more information on specific topics, see the schedule for December 14th.
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A joint Natural England-IUCN report stresses the importance of marine ecosystems in natural carbon capture and CO2 reduction. Seagrass meadows, salt marshes and mangroves have a greater capacity for carbon storage than land-based sinks, such as forests, but over half of them have been lost due to human activity. To complicate matters, unchecked rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere and ocean have adverse effects on these and other ecosytems. Increased levels of CO2 in seawater has lead to increased acidification, which affects the growth and survival of calcifying organisms and habitats, such as reefs, oyster beds and calcareous plankton.
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MPA News and the EBM Tools Network are hosting an online seminar on strategies and technologies that are useful for the development of high seas MPAs. Three speakers are scheduled and questions can be submitted to them ahead of time by email. Registration is free and transcripts will be available afterwards for those unable to attend. The 90 minute webinar will begin at 16:00 GMT on December 16th.
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The Science Advisory Panel is an independent body established to support the four regional projects involved in the MCZ selection process (Finding Sanctuary, Balanced Seas, Irish Sea Conservation Zones and Net Gain ) by offering objective scientific assessment of site proposals, and independent advice to Ministers. The panel, chaired by Dr Peter Ryder, consists of experts from a number of marine scientific fields.
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In the 2009 Marine Health Check Update WWF examine six of the flagship species and habitats covered in their 2005 Marine Health Check Report providing a snapshot of how they are faring. The report (produced by MarLIN) welcomes the Marine and Coastal Access Act as an opportunity to develop a number of tools for protecting and aiding recovery of marine life around our shores and make a positive contribution to securing healthy and productive seas.
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A formal consultation on proposed new marine protected areas starts today (27 Nov 2009). The sites are being put forward as the latest additions to the 'Natura 2000' network of European protected areas designed to protect important habitats, species and birds. The consultation provides an opportunity for interested groups to make formal comments on the proposed sites to help refine the evidence base and enable a fuller understanding of the likely impacts of site designation on marine user groups.
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The Scottish Green party's Patrick Harvie raised concerns on Nov.12th over whether the No-Take Zone on the Isle of Arran was effective, citing reports that dredging in the area was occurring. In addition to ensuring relevant officials are aware of this activity, the Scottish National Party's Richard Lochhead has responded by praising the work of COAST and reiterated that existing legislation prohibits such activities.
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A new report commissioned by Natural England, the Lighthouse Foundation and UNEP finds that coastal marine ecosystems are under serious threat from development and rising sea levels. The report outlines how these systems provide the benefit of sequestering carbon and how they are declining at rates comparable to the Amazon rainforest.
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Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) represents the largest sustainable catch possible of a single fish species, ignoring interactions with other species and assuming a constant environment. However, new research finds that MSY is also applicable to multiple stocks and is valid over periods of environmental change. It finds that MSY is achievable for cod, haddock, saithe, plaice and sole if fishing rates are reduced to late 1960s levels and would ensure greater yields using fewer resources.
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The Marine and Coastal Access Bill received Royal Assent on November 12th, thus coming into law as the Marine and Coastal Access Act. The Act is the first of its kind in the world and was hailed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown as "...a new framework for managing the demands we put on our seas...". In a series of press releases, the four regional stakeholder projects Finding Sanctuary, Irish Sea Conservation Zones, Net Gain and Balanced Seas have lauded the Act, which contains provisions for their establishment as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). More information on the Marine and Coastal Access Act can be found on the DEFRA website, including a series of maps that explains how the different areas of the UK's seas and the activities in them will be managed.
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An initiative by the Marine Conservation Society and the Co-operative Group engages divers in the marine reserve designation process by allowing them to nominate and vote for sites that they feel are in need of protection. So far, 73 sites across the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands have been identified, which would expand the current 6 km² of marine reserves to 212 km². You can nominate and vote for sites of interest to you by visiting the MCS Your Seas Your Voice website.
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The new issue of MPA News discusses the effects of increased noise on marine life and how MPA managers can mitigate its effects, conflicts between invasive scientific research and conservation in understanding and protecting MPAs, and new initiatives by the IUCN and partners to develop MPAs in open ocean, high seas areas.
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You read it correctly- a new 94,000 km² Marine Protected Area will come into effect in May 2010 extending southwards from the Orkney Islands- the South Orkneys, that is! The islands sit at the north end of the Weddell Sea, near Antarctica and their waters are habitat for Antarctic krill and Adélie penguins. The area, which is roughly four-times the size of Wales, is the world's first high-seas MPA.
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The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is undergoing final approval in the House of Lords on November 11th and may receive Royal Assent as soon as the 11th or 12th, thus becoming law. The Scottish Marine Bill is currently undergoing stage 2 consideration in Scotland's Parliament, having passed stage 1 on 29th October.
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Natural England have amended the fees for their upcoming MPA conference in London on December 8th and 9th. The new rates include reductions for charities and students and those not requiring accomodation during the event. There is also a new single-day rate of £155 or £200 including the conference dinner.
The meeting promotes the exchange of ideas between European countries and will develop partnerships among member states. Delegates are invited from the fields of marine management, policy making, conservation, science, NGOs, industry, the voluntary sector and Government. -
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) brings together eight Scottish universities in a £4.7M project that will study Scottish seas. Approximately 700 researchers will be involved and nine research themes are proposed, including fisheries research, coastal zone management and biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
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New regulations concerning the liability and remediation of environmental damage have been brought into effect for each of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Taking effect last March, the regulations apply to businesses, charities and public sectors engaging in 'economic activities' but will not cover purely domestic or recreational activities. The Marine and Fisheries Agency will be responsible for enforcing regulations concerning biodiversity at sea, and the Environment Agency, Natural England and local authorities will cover other regions.
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A new paper published in Science examines some of the most-studied of the world's fisheries and finds that over 60% of them need to be rebuilt. Although much success in managing and recovering stocks has been seen in certain areas (e.g. Kenya), rebuilding others may take decades and requires traditional, community-based efforts in combination with closures, gear restrictions and zoning of separate management areas for fishing and for conservation.
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A recent study by American and Danish researchers, published in Conservation Letters, warns that management plans by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will legally allow the entire adult bluefin population to be caught in years leading up to 2011. The paper warns that overfishing combined with an inability to cope with poor reproductive years will result in a 90% decline in adult biomass within three generations.
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DEFRA has released a new paper on the policies of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. The document outlines changes since the last draft of the bill (April 3rd, 2008) and discusses the eleven sections of the bill, including marine planning, licensing, fisheries legislation, enforcement and coastal access.
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A BBC editorial by Phil MacMullen of SeaFish discusses the importance and challenges of marine spatial planning for MPA design in acheiving sustainable fisheries. He identifies fishermen as an essential part of the management process and that each MPA site should be identified based on its human, as well as ecological, characteristics. Fishermen can provide first-hand information on site features for monitoring and research and often comply with restricted and closed areas on a voluntary basis. He argues "Fishermen have been an easy target for much that is wrong with the marine environment today but that's not fair. The industry has changed and we all need to look further ahead to some much more fundamental problems."
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An international conference on MPAs, 'Sea change: securing a future for Europe's seas', is scheduled for December 8 & 9 in London. The meeting promotes the exchange of ideas between European countries and will develop partnerships among member states. Delegates are invited from the fields of marine management, policy making, conservation, science, NGOs, industry, the voluntary sector and Government.
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The 2nd International Conference on Progress in Marine Conservation in Europe is scheduled to be held November 2-6 in Stralsund, Germany. The discussion of current marine nature conservation will be directed at 250 attendees, including policy makers, conservation managers, scientists and inter- and non-governmental organizations. The conference is hosted by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and the German Oceanographic Museum.
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UNEP has released a report on the importance of healthy marine ecosystems, which absorb large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. While many industrial businesses focus on developing artificial carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods, paying developing countries to conserve and enhance natural marine CSS ecosystems may be more cost effective, as their carbon mitigation abilities have been researched.
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Natural England, JNCC and CCW have proposed new Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) as part of the UK's committment to the Natura 2000 goal. Natural England has proposed 8 draft SACs and 2 potential SPAs in English inshore waters. JNCC is proposing further sites offshore and CCW is proposing sites in Welsh inshore waters.
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An independent report has been released by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (through Scottish Environment LINK), which questions whether the Scottish Marine Bill will be able to reverse the decline in populations of several species, including cod, herring, maerl and native oysters. Through a series of case studies, the report emphasises the need for marine policy that does more than just maintaining stocks at depleted levels.
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A new paper in the journal Conservation Letters quantifies land-based impacts on world-wide coastal marine ecosystems. The three most-threatened areas were identified as estuaries of the Mississippi in the US, the Ganges in India and the Mekong in Vietnam. The study also finds that 95% of continental shelf regions and 40% of coastlines globally experience little or no land-based human impacts.
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The Scottish Government has released a booklet on the Scottish Marine Bill, which was introduced to Scottish Parliament earlier this year. The document outlines what the Bill will do for marine conservation and planning and the work underway in the planning process. The path by which new Marine Protected Areas will be created and proposed licensing systems for marine industry are also outlined.
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A live 'webinar' will be hosted by MPA News and EBM Tools Network on the results of networking programs in Mediterranean rocky reef MPAs and the US Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The 90-minute program will begin at 1500 GMT on October 19. Registration is free and questions for speakers may be emailed ahead of time or posed live during the event. Either a computer with speakers/microphone or a telephone may be used to participate.
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The Exeter Met Office is hosting a free one-day meeting on November 5th to support the mitigation of climate change impact on marine, coastal and estuarine biodiversity. By sharing current scientific findings of impact effects on South West ecosystems, the conference seeks to promote adaptation in the future actions of practitioners. More information can be found in their flyer and on the registration site.
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The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management is holding a conference on terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas in Suffolk from November 10-12. Aside from scheduled talks, field excursions are planned to a variety of local protected areas, including the Norfolk Coast. Attendees may register online.
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A new study in the Journal of Applied Ecology finds that, in 32 marine reserves around the world, fish density increases by approximately 5% per year of their life. In particular, the research suggests that MPAs will be most effective after 15 years of age. Although younger MPAs may, in some cases, appear to be ineffective, the research indicates they should be maintained for at least this long to allow them to 'mature' to an effective state.
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The September issue of MPA News addresses the need for high-seas protection of deep sea habitats and suggests that when baseline data is incomplete, it is better to err on the side of conserving too much. The newsletter also discusses the benefits of applying art to marine conservaton, as well as a number of international MPA projects currently underway.
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A team of Dutch and Swiss researchers has produced a model which predicts the extent of 27 protected European habitats. Although the Natura 2000 initiative intends to create conservation measures for these and other habitats, their distribution has been largely unknown. Ground-truthing of the model suggests that it will be an invaluable tool in creating the network of pan-European protected areas.
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A steering group of 39 representatives, each from key south west marine sectors, has been formed by Finding Sanctuary to help plan Marine Conservation Zones off the Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset coasts. Each county will be represented by a MCZ subgroup, which will provide advice and feedback to the Finding Sanctuary Steering Group. In this way, local input may be passed on for consideration when siting regional MCZs. For information on the recently-created Devon MCZ group, see the link below.
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Natural England has released a survey and a report, which summarize the importance of seafood in UK consumer diets and the resulting pressure placed on our fisheries. Of particular note is the report's finding that almost one-third of the North Sea catch is discarded annually. However, the survey finds 90% of consumers more likely to purchase seafood labelled as 'environmentally responsible' and 75% willing to pay more for it. According to the Chief Executive of Natural England, "Overfishing is one of the most significant environmental issues we face and it is clear from our research that the public are increasingly aware of the problems - and are willing to help address them."
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The Moray Firth SAC Management Group has updated their management scheme to better-protect bottlenose dolphins, which are the most northerly population in the world. The new measures protect the SAC (and the dolphins within it) from oil and renewable energy developments, boat traffic, coastal development, dredging, aquaculture, non-native species and military activities.
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Four coastal regions in the area from Poole Bay through Lyme Bay and Torbay to the South Hams are currently under consideration by Natural England as marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Informal consultations with stakeholders have brought forth concerns by local inshore fishermen, who fear that their livelihood may be impacted. But conservationists worry that years of damaging fishing practises are taking their toll on reefs and better management will protect fisheries and those who depend on them. Citing the improvement of scallop beds following their closure in Lyme Bay last year, Natural England believes better management will also allow degraded reefs and seabeds to recover from dredging and trawling activities. Local councils and the Wildlife Trusts hope that the SACs will also draw recreational interest and tourism in the areas.
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Despite injunction attempts by Ecojustice, the Living Oceans Society and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Canadian Government has granted permission for a U.S. research vessel to conduct seismic tests within the Endeavor Hydrothermal Vents area- Canada's first MPA. The region is a known Blue and Fin Whale habitat and concerns have been raised over the impacts of the tests on these endangered mammals. The seismic testing involves the production of hundreds of sonic blasts, each one exceeding a jet engine in volume, which will provide a data on the vent's geology. Critics are worried that the testing will deafen and disturb the whales, which have only recently begun to return to the MPA. Ecojustice is seeking a halt to the research on the grounds that Canadian law prohibits harassment of marine mammals and thus cannot grant permission to foreign vessels to do so. (Also, see local news articles here and here)
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The Marine Conservation Society's annual beach clean-up and litter survey is scheduled to take place on the 19th and 20th of September. Beachwatch Big Weekend is a national event that occurs every year and encourages the public to participate in the cleanup and survey efforts either on land or, for those keen on SCUBA, in the water. The campaign seeks to reduce litter on UK beaches and neighboring seas and coincides with the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event.
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The Marine and Coastal Access Bill Newsletter outlines the recent progress of the bill in the House of Commons Committee and upcoming progression towards Royal Assent. The newsletter also discusses the role of new MCZs and existing SACs and SPAs under the Marine Bill. Marine licensing, coastal access and the Scottish Marine Bill are also mentioned.
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MPA News and EBM Tools Network are hosting a free web-based seminar on lessons learned from MPA networking programs in West Hawai'i and in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The 'webinar' begins August 27th at 2200 GMT and will last 90 minutes, with opportunities for participants to pose questions or comments by computer or telephone.
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A recent four-week survey commissioned by JNCC has discovered new cold-water coral reefs teeming with life at Anton Dohrn Seamount (an extinct volcano), Rockall Bank and 3 other sites. Each was found to contain a variety of fish, hard coral, sponges, brittlestars, featherstars and sea fans. JNCC is now considering whether each site should be recommended for protection so that their diversity may be maintained as free of human impact.
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The first global basking shark conference is underway on the Isle of Man. The week-long meeting includes researchers and conservationists and will culminate in the creation of a Biodiversity Action Plan, which will be the first step in protecting the endangered species. An aim of the meeting is to share data on photographic identification and assessments of human impacts on basking sharks.
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In a speech following the Grenelle de la Mer (France's conference on maritime and sustainable fisheries) President Sarkozy committed to increasing the size of protected zones in the French maritime area (including overseas territories) from its current 1% to 10% by 2012 and 20% by 2020. 10% of the 2020 target (approximately 1.1 million square km) will consist of reserves designed with input from scientists, fishermen and local stakeholders.
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Warnings of impending collapse in some global fish stocks, brought on by unsustainable fishing practises, has led some consumers to be more selective in their dinner choices. Following Waitrose's decision not to stock threatened species, such as swordfish, their fish sales have increased by 15%, with purchases of frozen fish increasing by 21%. Conversely, companies continuing to stock and serve unsustainable species have been under increased pressure, such as the upscale sushi-chain Nobu which is currently being boycotted by the UK Fisheries Minister.
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Despite a Government push to have 40% of Britain's electricity needs provided by wind, tidal and nuclear power by 2020, none of the £50m in the Marine Renewable Deployment Fund has been allocated in the 5 years of its existence. Natural England has also expressed concerns over whether large-scale renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms and the proposed Severn Barrage, could be located in National Parks without having a significant environmental impact.
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Under the Habitats and Birds Directives, Natural England are recommending the creation of eight new MPAs to Government. The sites include two Special Protection Areas of importance to seabirds (Liverpool Bay, Outer Thames Estuary) and six marine habitat Special Areas of Conservation (Margate & Long Sands, Poole Bay to Lyme Bay Reefs, Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound & Eddystone, Lizard Point, Lands End & Cape Bank, and Shell Flat & Lune Deep). Public consultation on the sites will begin following Government approval.
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The July-August issue of MPA News discusses progress in the development of MPAs in Australia and Hawai'i and presents more MPA-related work given at the 2nd International Marine Protected Areas Congress in Washington, D.C.
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The UK Government is joining with French lobbyists in their attempts to have bluefin tuna trading banned internationally by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). According to WWF, the Mediterranean will be devoid of bluefin by 2012. Dr. Alex Rogers of the London Institute for Zoology has called for a reduction of global fishing fleets and increased protection through international MPA networks, in the hopes that this and other major oceanic predators may be saved. Unfortunately, the high value of bluefin in Japan is fuelling organised crime operations in the Med and elsewhere, resulting in catches that are four-times higher than recommended by researchers.
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The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has released a study that finds a 15% reduction in mortality and a 40% increase in the numbers of spawning adults in North Sea cod stocks. SeaFish cites reductions in fishing effort as reasons for the improvements. It is expected that the report will lead to ICES recommendations for increased quotas on North Sea cod catches.
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The Government is planning a huge expansion of wind energy off the Dorset and North Devon coasts that may provide as much as 34% of the region's power requirements by 2020. Proposals to restrict offshore wind farms to areas outside a 12 mile coastal zone were dropped to allow construction of seabed foundations in shallower, inshore waters.
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WWF has released an update on their forthcoming Marine Health Check, to be released this autumn. The update outlines how the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, the Scottish Marine Bill and similar Northern Ireland legislation must be used to halt the decline of biodiversity. The continued decline or lack of recovery in flagship species such as the Pink Sea Fan, Harbour Dolphins, Atlantic Salmon and deep-sea coral implies the need for ecologically-relevant Marine Conservation Zones. They also recommend that MCZ boundaries be kept flexible, to allow dynamism in the face of an ever-changing marine environment, and that they should transcend political or administrative boundaries.
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Eight members and a chairperson are being saught to provide independent scientific advice on Marine Conservation Zones to regional bodies that are responsible for creating them. DEFRA is seeking candidates who have expertise in UK marine ecology, ecosystem processes, MPA design and conservation. For more information and instructions on how to apply, see the link below.
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A simulation study from CEFAS and the University of York indicates that migratory fish, such as Atlantic cod and tuna, spend too much time away from MPAs in their migrations to be sufficiently protected by them. Transient species spend more time outside MPAs and become vulnerable to commercial fishing effects. However, it also finds that without the sanctuary of an MPA during part of their migration, fisheries were doomed to collapse. The authors of the study recommend dynamic fishing quotas and harvest control rules in addition to MPA creation to prevent "worst-case scenarios".
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A team of marine scientists and surveyors from Scottish Natural Heritage and SeaStar Survey are currently undertaking a survey of marine habitats and species within North Rona Special Area of Conservation. The survey will focus on qualifying coastal and marine interests, including reefs, sea caves and coastline with vegetated sea cliffs that reach 75 metres in height. North Rona is also home to a population of 5,600 grey seals making it the third largest breeding colony in the British Isles. The second phase of the survey will kick-off with around 10 days of underwater video and photography to characterise the seafloor map generated during the recently-completed acoustic data collection. The underwater footage will also bring to life the wildlife that inhabits this remote and exposed part of the UK.
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The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is under criticism from concerned organisations such as the RSPB and the Friends of the Earth Marine Network, who say it is "subordinate to economic and social interests" and is inadequate to conserve representative habitats and species. The bill has just finished its second reading in the House of Commons.
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The IUCN Shark Specialist Group has released the first study on the global conservation status of open ocean sharks and finds that 32% are facing extinction primarily because of overfishing. Slow maturation, long migration routes and production of few offspring combined with bycatch mortality and shark-finning pressures have contributed to their vulnerable state. To make matters worse, most pelagic shark catches are either unregulated or unsustainable. The IUCN is pleading for governments to take immediate action and establish coordinated international conservation plans.
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Twelve Wildlife Trusts across the East coast of England are promoting the protection of the English North Sea's "weird and wonderful marine life" through a new website. The area reaches from the coast to 200 miles offshore between Northumberland and Suffolk and includes the Farne Islands (an important Puffin nesting area), The Wash (the UK's largest estuarine system), as well as several proposed and active Special Areas of Conservation. With provisions for such areas laid out in the forthcoming Marine and Coastal Access Bill, the Wildlife Trust's efforts are expected to culminate with the creation of the North Sea Marine Conservation Zone; one of four English MCZs proposed by Natural England and JNCC.
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Electronic tags relaying GPS information are being attached to puffins on the Farne Islands, in the hope that the information obtained will explain why their numbers have declined sharply over the past 5 years. A research team from Newcastle University will use the tags to track the birds and learn about their winter range on the sea, as well as the length and depth of their underwater dives.
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As a follow-up to a news article we presented in June of last year, approval for construction of the Trump International Golf Links resort has been given by the Scottish government, despite concerns raised by RSPB, SNH, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Sustainable Aberdeenshire over the impacts on the Menie Links sand dunes ecosystem. In particular, the 'back nine' of the course is planned to occupy about one-tenth of the dunes, despite protests from Trump's own environmental advisors who claim it will be unnecessarily destructive. Click here for another news article.
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A research team led by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has concluded a week-long expedition of 46 intertidal and 67 subtidal locations in the Isles of Scilly SAC. The sites, some previously unexplored, included habitats rich in sponges, corals, anemones, sea squirts and seaweeds. Dr. Keith Hiscock, a team member and marine biologist who has been diving the Isles of Scilly for forty years has observed a rare 'slime' sponge that has not been recorded there since 1969, plus species of sea squirt and cowrie that may be new to science.
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In an article in the latest issue of The Longliner, SeaFish compares the opinions of Natural England and the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations on the issue of MPA-mitigated fishery management. NE says that MPAs protect fish and shellfish populations by safeguarding spawning and nursery grounds and that ultimately benefits fisheries. NFFO disagree that area closures will always save fish stocks and recovery of some commercial fish stocks in UK waters does not warrant further measures that may result in a loss of livelihood and alienation of the fishing industry. See page 9 for the full article.
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A report by JNCC documents how shorebird numbers in the UK have decreased by approximately 600000, or 9% over the past decade. The largest declines were seen in birds such as black-legged kittiwakes and European shags that feed on shoals of small fish, particularly lesser sandeels. The introduction of non-native mammal predators into nesting areas is also thought to be a contributing factor to the decline.
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A new report by DEFRA's UK Climate Programme predicts weather and climate patterns across the UK to 2080 under scenarios of low, medium and high emissions output. Under medium emissions, it predicts a 4°C increase in peak summer temperature and less frequent, but more intense rainfall. In response to the report, Natural England has stressed the importance of enabling the natural environment to adapt to such significant changes, rather than relying on advances in technology and infrastructure to protect society. Helen Phillips, NE's Chief Executive, believes that "...if we do not work with nature and the environment we are doomed to failure in the battle against climate change."
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YourSeasYourVoice is a new campaign to foster public support for the creation of more marine reserves in the UK and the increased protection of existing MPAs. The website encourages visitors to suggest their own protected areas and allows them to provide descriptions and rationale as to conservation is need for the site. Currently, only three fully-protected marine areas exist in the UK, representing less than 1% of territorial waters. MCS plans to lobby for laws that will increase this number to 30%.
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JNCC has posted reports on seabed habitat surveys for thirteen offshore UK sites. Over five years of research is presented, including reports for the Irish Sea Pilot and Rockall and Dogger Banks. Photographs of benthic habitats and marine life are provided for each region, as well as a map of survey activities and recorded habitat types.
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The North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, comprised of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the EU, Iceland, Norway and Russia, have closed over 330 000 km² of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to bottom fishing in an attempt to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and deep-sea diversity. NEAFC had earlier agreed to reduce deep-water bottom fishing by 35%.
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The June, 2009 issue of MPA News discusses Australian and South African designations of large offshore conservation zones, and presents summaries of topics discussed at the joint meeting of the International Marine Conservation Congress and Second International Marine Protected Areas Congress. It also releases the results of an MPA News poll, showing that appreciation for ecosystem-based management has increased amongst its readers since 2006.
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The Scottish Fishermen's Federation believes the new film paints "an excessively gloomy and over-simplistic picture of global fish stocks". They state that Scottish fishermen are taking the lead in ensuring stocks are sustainably harvested and most have achieved Marine Stewardship Council accreditation. The SFF warns against extrapolation of overall, global trends to local areas, especially when considering a number of conservation efforts that the Scottish fleet have undertaken.
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Finding Sanctuary is encouraging fishermen and divers to join County MCZ Groups in Devon, Dorset and Somerset and provide advice on planning MCZs to regional Finding Sanctuary steering groups. The groups will also contain representatives of local governments and county maritime forums.
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Dr. Alex Rogers of the Institute of Zoology of London has warned that, if significant efforts are not made within the next decade, by 2050 coral reefs may only be able to survive in aquaria. In addition to drastic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, Prof. Callum Roberts of the University of York has recommended that the creation of networks of Marine Protected Areas is essential in protecting such marine ecosystems that are on the verge of collapse due to the effects of ocean warming and acidification and removal of top predators and filter-feeders. Through proper ecosystem-based management, he believes productivity of the oceans could again reach levels beyond that which is seen today. However, he cautions that change must come more quickly.
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UNEP and the IUCN have announced a new web tool for obtaining information about MPAs. The World Database on Protected Areas-Marine website provides info on each country's conservation areas, with links to stats, images and wikipedia entries. The site is currently undergoing beta-testing, with future developments including the ability for managers and researchers to upload data on regional MPAs.
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According to Erich Hoyt of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, more MPAs are needed to protect marine mammals from the threats of whaling, fishing net and line entanglement, reductions in food availability due to overfishing, pollution and climate change. Through continuing research of their habits and by protecting the habitat in which they live, populations of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals may be better-sheltered from these detriments. Furthermore, as apex predators in a complex food web, protecting marine mammals may also lead to greater ecosystem stability, on the whole.
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A new film examines global trends towards overfishing and the decline of fish stocks. End of the Line, which is currently showing in cinemas, documents threatened species and the roles of the fishing industry, retailer, government and consumer in contributing to both the problem and the solution. It warns of the imminent extinction of several prominent species, including bluefin tuna, and of the potential collapse of most seafood fisheries by 2048 if current trends continue.
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In an effort to stimulate reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Commission has produced a green paper outlining the need for its revision and is requesting public input. Views can be submitted by any EU citizen directly to the commission until the end of the year. The move follows the EC's admission that 88% of European fish stocks are overfished and many may not survive until 2012, the deadline for adoption of policy reforms.
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RSPB is urging the Northern Ireland assembly to follow suit with the rest of the UK and introduce a Marine Bill. One of the benefits of the bill could be better control of marine litter, which is currently a threat to marine life in the area, including basking sharks.
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In the 10 years since the creation of a 374-hectare MPA off Portofino, Italy, fish stocks have increased, according to local officials, divers and fishermen. The area has been regulated using no take zones and permits, which limits fishing, anchoring and sport diving in other zones- a system initially opposed by many, but now viewed as a success.
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The report stage of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill was completed by the House of Lords on June 1st. The third reading, which provides a final chance for amendments, hasn't yet been scheduled.
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The most northerly honeycomb worm reefs in the NE Atlantic were found during a Scottish Natural Heritage survey of Luce Bay and Sands Special Area of Conservation. These reefs, amalgams of the shelters created by worms from sand and sediment, harbour a variety of florae and faunae, including seagrasses, whelks, mussels, crabs and dogfish. See page 7 of the Solway Firth Partnership newsletter Tidelines for more details (link below).
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A new paper in Marine Policy by Dr. Peter Jones (University College London) examines feelings of geographical and political marginalisation among the fishing industry in response to expanding development of No Take Zone MPAs. The study recommends that inclusion of industry representatives in discussions concerning NTZ MPAs will provide constructive input and result in a more coherent MPA framework.
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The selection panel of the European Fisheries Fund has approved fourteen projects proposed by the fishing industry. Although most funded projects involve factory improvement and outfitting, over £2M has been allocated to measures to reduce fish discards from otter trawling, improvements of Nephrops fishery sustainability and other responsible fishing schemes.
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The IUCN has presented a compilation of case studies where MPAs have resulted in economic benefits for regional economies. Their recent press release cites the Isle of Lundy as one example where maintenance of a No Take Zone has resulted in increased income from tourism and replenishment of nearby fishery stocks from population growth of lobsters within the MPA. Other case studies include examples from Hawaii, Fiji, and the Philippines.
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The one-million-square-kilometre Coral Sea could become the largest MPA in existence, thanks to ongoing efforts by WWF and the region's governments and stakeholders. Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste have made commitments to developing a 10-year regional plan that addresses threatened species' protection and assesses new commercial activities in the area, which has so-far remained relatively undisturbed by human activities.
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The Countryside Council for Wales is now providing underwater footage of MPAs through YouTube and georeferenced links in Google Oceans. The footage, including video of Pembrokeshire and Skomer, was collected during marine health surveys and monitoring programmes conducted by CCW.
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According to the European Commission, the implementation of regional fisheries management could be made the responsibility of individual Member States. On 22 April 2009, the Commission adopted a Green Paper on a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to trigger and encourage public debate and to elicit views on the future CFP, which must be reviewed every 10 years. Following a broad public consultation on the options for a reform the Commission has until 2012 to draw up a new Common Fisheries Policy.
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The History of Marine Animal Populations section of the Census of Marine Life has trawled through historic records such as government tax records, ship's logs, monastery archives and even mounted trophies in a comprehensive attempt to shed light on what levels of marine life were like from hundreds to thousands of years ago. By tracking the progress of fishing technologies and activity, they hope to obtain a proxy measure of how and when fisheries were faced with new pressures, a new baseline against which current fishery levels may be compared, and an objective target for recovery efforts.
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A report by an alliance of several environmental agencies, including the RSPB and National Trust, has raised questions over a Government multi-billion pound plan to construct the Severn Barrage. The alliance maintains environmental damage has not been properly considered and that estimates of power production are outdated. Furthermore, a new study by an engineering consultancy reports that barrage construction costs could be up to double the Government's previous estimate. The alliance partners are calling for the Government to have a second look before proceeding.
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A new £20,000 outreach project attempts to boost the protection of Scottish fisheries while promoting the credentials of the Scottish fishing industry. With some fisheries from the langoustine, mackerel and herring sectors already MSC-certified and others under assessment, over half of the Scottish market is poised to reap the benefits of improved sustainability and product marketability.
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The latest issue of MPA News provides advice for specialists when communicating with MPA managers. A U.S. plan to compensate fishers currently operating within proposed Hawaiian MPAs and a new web-based fundraising tool supporting the protection of Fijian MPAs are also examined.
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John MacAlister, the chairman of the Mallaig and North West Fishermen's Association, has called for a reduction in the catching capacity of mobile and static gear sectors in response to poor marketing conditions and rising costs. According to Mr. MacAlister, "Doing nothing is not an option and if nothing happens, there are going to be casualties."
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The Ceredigion County Council is seeking public input on further developments of its Code of Conduct for recreational boat usage in Cardigan Bay. Currently, marine mammals are protected from disturbance in the Special Area of Conservation by mandatory and voluntary speed limits. However, the discovery that several headlands are important dolphin feeding areas has prompted the Council to consider further measures. Questionnaires are available from the Council's website and should be submitted before September.
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The new Crab and Lobster Strategy Group, initiated by the Scottish Fisheries Council, brings together fishermen, processors, policy makers and regulators with a goal to better management of crab and lobster stocks in the UK. Their efforts are further supported by Seafish's funding announcement of three industry-related projects involving the stock assessment and management of brown crabs.
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DEFRA has produced a sample of how the principles of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill might be applied. Using a variety of examples ranging from birds and fish to numerous invertebrates, they outline seven requirements of MPA networks: habitat and species representativity, habitat replication, site viability, adequacy of site size, connectivity among MPAs in the network, variation in site protection levels and use of the best available evidence when designing networks.
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DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government have released an ongoing draft of guidance for Part 5 of the Marine and Coastal access bill. Part 5 enables the creation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and the draft outlines how it is intended to be used for MCZ designation, the delegation of duties to public authorities, the creation and use of conservation orders and the clarification of seaward boundaries of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves in relation to MCZs.
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Representatives of the Marine Conservation Society, the World Wildlife Fund, RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts have warned Parliament that the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which is nearing final debate, lacks guarantees of protection for important marine life areas. The four organizations are calling for amendments that improve the ecological relevancy and impact of Marine Conservation Zones and reduce the influence of socio-economic factors on MCZ designation.
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The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (CoAST) has raised concerns over government delays in creating fisheries management areas at Lamlash Bay. Although the area is designated as a no-take zone, its boundaries have not been demarked, leaving it imperceptible to fishermen operating in the area. While the Scottish Government commented that discussions on signposting were ongoing, Howard Wood, the chairman of CoAST, has described the situation as "a complete lack of action."
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The first tagging project involving Britain's two native species of seahorse has begun in Studland Bay, Dorset. The Seahorse Trust, with support from Natural England and funding from the National Lottery, is undertaking the study to determine the level of endangerment the two species face and whether the survival of the reproductive population in Studland Bay is threatened habitat loss caused by boating activities.
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Scotland's first Marine Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 30/04/2009. It follows calls from environmental groups, the marine industry and coastal communities for more effective, joined up management of Scotland's unique seas. Key measures include: a new marine planning framework so that increasing use of the seas for energy, fishing, aquaculture, recreation and other purposes is well managed; and improved marine nature and historic conservation to safeguard and protect Scotland's unique habitats, wildlife and marine archaeology and wrecks.
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Defra are consulting on delivering Marine Conservation Zones and European Marine Sites and have released a draft strategy for marine protected areas. This sets out how existing obligations for marine protected areas under European Directives together with Marine Conservation Zones under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill and other designated sites will deliver an ecologically coherent network by 2012. Comments are invited by 13 July 2009.
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DEFRA's spring issue of Fishing Focus is now available. Among the topics it discusses are progress on the Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries project, DEFRA's objectives for the UK marine area (to be incorporated into their Marine Policy Statement), a 5 year joint research programme with NERC on ocean acidification, creation of a Marine Science Co-ordination Committee, and measures to decommission fishing vessels in attempts to ease inshore fishing problems.
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This month MPA News re-examines the role of MPAs in ecosystem-based management and looks at Canada's integrated approach to MPA management. This issue also looks at the creation of the first Marine Reserve in Ecuador.
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Scientists and conservation groups warn that a third of the world's oceans must be closed to fishing for 20 years if depleted stocks are to recover. Callum Roberts, professor of marine conservation at the University of York, emphasises that MPA networks are essential to sustainable fisheries. A spokesperson for the fishing industry says that pressure on stocks just outside of a protected area can "mitigate against the impact of the MPA".
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Academics at the University College London have published findings of a study looking at the knowledge base for designing an ecologically coherent network of MPAs. The study, led by Peter Jones, collates expert opinion and specifically investigates the larval dispersal potential of 31 rare/scarce benthic invertebrates, finding that over half have dispersal potentials of less than 1km.
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The North East Sea Fisheries Committee (NESFC) has approved a proposed bye-law to create a No-Take Zone (NTZ) off Flamborough Head. Peter Nottage, Natural England's regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber said: "This bye-law will create the first NTZ in the North Sea so it's an important step not just for Flamborough, but also for the North Sea as a whole".
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This month MPA News asks MPA practitioners how they foresee the economic crisis affecting their sites or institutions, and what steps they are taking to prepare for it. It also looks at the web based MPA design tool MarineMap and Peter Jones from the University of Central London examines the balance between human health and marine ecosystem health.
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Defra have produced a series of maps to help explain how the Bill will apply to different areas of the seas around the UK. The maps are intended as a guide to help understanding of the Bill, and Defra stress that they are indicative only and not to scale. In areas where provisions apply to the offshore areas adjacent to Wales or Northern Ireland, this is shown with text rather than boundaries on the map. To see the maps follow the link below.
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There has now been final confirmation that the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO), part of the government's Marine and Coastal Access Bill, will be based in Tyneside. The MMO will be a Non-Departmental Public Body, replacing the Marine and Fisheries Agency and will be charged with enforcement of sea fisheries, nature conservation and licensing using powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill.
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Follow the link to the February 2009 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). There is a summary of a paper out in Ocean and Coastal Management which describes a new approach to designing MPAs using 'sliding doors', where the size and shape necessary to protect contiguous habitats important for species that show short term migration patterns, are set at the start of the process. In addition to the usual articles on best practice this issue discusses Queensland Tourism Board's innovative 'Best Job in the World' promotion, and how it is being used to promote a new Islands of the Great Barrier Reef campaign.
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Following the launch of Google Oceans the Marine Biological Association at Plymouth is pleased to announce the release of an information layer for UK marine life for Google Oceans. This release means that MarLIN marine life data holdings built up over 10 years are now linked with the powerful tool of Google Oceans. Distributions of UK Biodiversity Action Plan species can be viewed and overlayed with all sorts of other marine data such as depth and salinity. All the information in the layer is dynamically linked ensuring that users receive the most up-to-date information available. Follow the link to read more and download the layer to your Google Oceans.
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WDCS efforts to prevent the oil and gas industry carrying out seismic surveys inside Moray Firth SAC have gained a small victory. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has decided not to carry out any seismic surveys in the region during 2009 and has agreed to fund independent research into the effects gas and oil exploration will have on the area. The Moray Firth was designated as a SAC primarily because it is home to the only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea.
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Finding Sanctuary is a partnership project which aims to secure a healthy and productive future for the coasts and seas of South West England. The Steering Group is currently made up of fifteen members representing recreational sea angling, statutory nature conservation, marine scientists, nature conservation NGOs, fishery management and enforcement, inshore and offshore fishermen, offshore renewable energy, ports and shipping. An application form will be available from the Finding Sanctuary website soon. The deadline for applications is Friday 6th March 2009 and applications will be considered by the Steering Group on 11th March 2009.
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President Bush is expected to announce the designation of nearly 200,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean as a marine protected areas today. Commercial fishing, mining and energy exploration will be prohibited within nine sites, which include the Mariana Trench, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island.
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The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has significantly increased the information availble on their website. Information can be found on SAC selection documents, GIS boundaries and conservation objectives.
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Follow the link to the December/January 2008/9 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). This issue discusses the potential impact of ocean acidification on MPAs.
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Finding Sanctuary's new website goes live tomorrow (13th Dec) and features a new GIS tool that will allow stakeholders to input data on the marine environment. The website has detailed information about the project and MPAs in general. Feedback on the new website is encouraged as there will be a second phase of development early next year.
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Philip MacMullen, Head of Environmental Responsibility at Seafish in reaction to the Co-operative and the Marine Conservation Society's call to ban fishing in 30% of UK waters by 2020, said that it would endanger rural economies and skills. Stating that "Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are only part of the answer to the challenge of creating a sustainable marine environment." He said that other approaches are also required to utilise the marine environment sustainably.
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The third annual Mellon Foundation awards for technology collaboration awarded Ecotrust, an innovative company whose work aids in the sustainable use of the natural environment, their open source mapping software Open OceanMap. The software is aimed at collecting data from local resource users such as fishermen, to aid in marine spatial planning.
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Published by the Marine Conservation Society the manual aims to provide information and advice for Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Officers about the marine species and habitats that occur within their respective regions.
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The Co-operative in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society estimate that 30% of UK waters must become no take zones by 2020 to allow the environment to recover from decades of exploitation.
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In this issue: details of the proposed offshore SACs are given, plus plans for three more.
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Follow the link to view the bill as it was presented to Parliament.
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Two reports released today by the Wildlife Trusts and Natural England conclude that the basking sharks are still under threat despite being an internationally recognised endangered species. The reports are the result of eight years of boat based study within the UK.
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The Chief Executive of Natural England, called on Parliament to seize the once in a lifetime opportunity and to deliver a Marine Bill with teeth. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which is expected to be included in the Queen's Speech tomorrow, contains provisions to strengthen marine conservation in England.
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The Scottish Government has been given control of planning and nature conservation over Scotland's territorial waters out to 200 nautical miles. Previously control stopped at 12 nautical miles. The power to grant licences to the oil and gas industry will be retained by Westminster.
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Five offshore special areas of conservation have been created under the European Habitats Directive. The sites include the Darwin Mounds, Scanner Pockmarks, Braemar Pockmarks, Stanton Bank and Haig Fras.
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Follow the link to the November 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes a discussion of the new IUCN definition for marine protected areas and a certification programme for MPA workers.
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In an effort to deliver scientific evidence of the decline of spurdog sharks in Scottish waters, anglers plan a tagathon for the weekend of the 15th of November 2008. The tag and release exercise will provide valuable data on spurdog numbers in the region.
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Follow the link to the October 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes a run down of events at the recent World Conservation Congress held in Barcelona.
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The MCS launched their "Silent Seas" report documenting the inaduequate protection of UK seas. The document warns of impending ecological disaster if a serious attempt at mitigating the human impact on the sea is not made.
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The European Environment Agency presented the initial findings of a report on the state of protected species and habitats at the World Conservation Congress being held in Barcelona.
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IUCN WCPA-marine, after an extensive global consultative process, is launching the global Plan of Action to accelerate progress to establishing MPAs. Information about priority actions, key actors, and updates on progress can be found at the MPA web portal also being launched today.
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In an unprecedented partnership spearheaded by IUCN and its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), compelling imagery, stories, and information about each Marine Protected Area is available on computers worldwide through Google Earth Outreach. IUCN WCPA-marine Vice Chair Prof Dan Laffoley commented "By using the power and reach of Google Earth Outreach and the global network and expertise of IUCN WCPA-marine, we are now able to put critical ocean issues in front of hundreds of millions of people around the world. And, once we have people's attention, we hope to move them from awareness to action to protect planet ocean."
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The Government's response to the pre-scrutiny committee findings and public consultation on the Marine Bill have been released by Defra.
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The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) 13 years of hard work paid off today as the Scottish Government created Scotland's first 'No-Take Zone' in Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran. All fishing within the specified area will be banned while a scientific trial will be carried out to investigate the fishery and bio-diversity benefits of leaving the seabed to regenerate naturally without any disturbance.
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All non-confidential responses to the consultation on the on a Proposed Marine Reserve at Lamlash Bay, and a summary of the analysis of responses, are now available to the public on on the Scottish Goverment website. A decision on how the Scottish Government intend to proceed will be released soon.
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Follow the link to the September 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes a prediction of what MPA planning and management will be like in ten years time and tips on tracking ships to avoid damage to sensitive areas.
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A new report by the Scottish Agricultural College, commissioned by Defra, JNCC and NE, has attempted to determine monetary values for use and non-use goods and services resulting from the implementation of a hypothetical marine conservation zones (MCZ) scenario. Surveys were completed in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The potential benefits were estimated by SAC to be between £487 and £1,170.7 million per year.
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Follow the link to the August 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes two articles about the methods used to select MPAs (from Delphi to Marxan) and a short piece regarding the use of non-technical language to promote MPAs.
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The Joint Committee was appointed on 13 May 2008 to scrutinise the draft Marine Bill presented to the House of Commons and House of Lords on 3 April 2008. They held eight public evidence sessions, hearing from 22 sets of witnesses representing 38 organisations. This report gives the results of these sessions and reports on questions such as "Should there be a statutory requirement on a UK body to ensure that the network of Marine Conservation Zones is created?" and "Is there sufficient biological data to identify a potential network of Marine Conservation Zones and what proportion should be highly protected?". The report also offers some clarification on the devolution and European issues associated with the draft Bill.
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Defra's move to close off almost ten per cent of Lyme Bay to scallop dredging and bottom trawling, is the country's largest ever closure of a marine area to protect wildlife. The University of Plymouth, together with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Marine Biological Association of the UK have been contracted by Defra to monitor the impact of the ban by assessing the recovery of the marine wildlife and analysing the social and economic impacts on the affected communities.
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Follow the link to the July 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). This month, MPA News considers the range of costs associated with marine protected areas and the MPA Perspectives section looks at the opportunities for marine environmental protection on the outer continental shelf.
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A publication out this week presents a representative sample of contributions to the 41st European Marine Biology Symposium held in September 2005 in Cork, Ireland. The theme of the symposium was 'Challenges to Marine Ecosystems' and included a special session on Marine Protected Areas. Seven papers from this session are included in this publication.
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During a visit to the Storehouse of Foulis on the Cromarty Firth today, Richard Lochhead, the rural affairs and environment secretary, unveiled the Scottish Government's plans for Scottish Marine Bill. It sets out the ways the Scottish government wants to protect the seas around Scotland's coastline.
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A report by the University of York examining MPAs in Northern Ireland identifies that highly protected marine reserves should be part of future plans to protect Northern Ireland's seas. Areas identified include parts of the Antrim Coast for example Red Bay and parts of Lough Foyle, Dundrum Bay, Rathlin Island and Strangford Lough.
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The UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw MP visited the Lundy Marine Nature Reserve on 20th June. Follow the link to read notes taken from commentary and interviews broadcast on BBC Spotlight where it could be seen that the Minister visited Lundy on the charter boat Obsession II and was accompanied by Chris Davis of Natural England (NE) and, at Lundy, by Derek Green, Island Manager.
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POST (Parlimentary Office of Science and Technology) is the UK Parliament's in-house source of independent, balanced and accessible analysis of public policy issues related to science and technology. This briefing note (POSTnote) for parlimentarians examines the possibility of using a MCZ network to manage the impacts of human activities on the marine environment.
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On the 19th of June 2008 ministers banned damaging types of fishing in 60 square nautical miles of sea off the South West coast. The decision followed a lengthy public consultation in which nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents voted in favour of the exclusion zone in Lyme Bay to protect its vulnerable marine habitats and wildlife.
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Follow the link to the June 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes an article about "de facto" marine protected areas (e.g. man made structures that limit certain activities such as fishing and therefore provide some degree of protection). There is also a report on how France are implementing their MPA law.
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The Public Local Inquiry into the application by Trump International Golf Links to construct a golf course and resort development at Menie Estate, just north of Aberdeen, began yesterday (10 June 2008). The 1 billion pound golf course is planned to be built on one of the very best examples of a mobile dune system in the country and (Read RSPB article). There is support for the development from those who believe that the boost to the local economy outweighs the environmental damage (read an article by Magnus Linklater) . SSSI designation should offer such a site a very high level of protection, but this case will test this.
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Community of Arran Seabed Trust have won top prize for the best Conservation project in this years Observer Ethical awards for their community based work in setting up the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone.
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Defra today published their Draft guidance on selection and designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). This useful document provides guidance on issues such as principles for network design and selection of MCZs, stakeholder involvement, conservation objectives and the role of ministers in designating MCZs. Defra have released the document in draft form ahead of this months evidence sessions.
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The latest Fair Isle Marine Environment and Tourism Initiative (FIMETI) Newsletter is now out. It includes news about the Fair Isle's efforts to become Scotland's first Coastal Marine National Park and FIMETI's participation in and support of the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative Shetland pilot
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As part of the the Seminar Series at Citadel Hill hosted by the MBA and SAHFOS, Tom Appleby from the University of the West of England and University of Bristol Law School will be talking about changes in legislative measures for MPAs under the Marine Bill. The talk will be at the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth on Thursday 22nd May 2008, 4- 5 pm. Please email info@ukmpas.org.uk for more information. Tom Appleby's recent report on the establishment of MPAs under current legislation is availble by following the link below.
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Follow the link to the May 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes news about Canada's plans for network of MPAs by 2012 and creating endowments for long term funding of MPAs.
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New marine nature reserves around Britain's coast are among radical plans published today by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn. A new network of marine conservation zones, for species and habitats of national importance, will be put in place by 2012 under new powers contained in the government's draft Marine Bill. The new marine conservation zones will have clear conservation objectives, to protect habitats and species of national importance, ensuring that some types of fishing, dredging or other forms of development do not damage them. Measures to give people the freedom to walk round the English coast for the first time are also included.
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Public consultation took place between September and December 2007 on the measures to protect marine biodiversity in Lyme Bay from the impact of fishing with dredges and other towed gear. Responses reveal that 73% of respondents were in favour of closing 60 square miles of reef to scallop dredging.
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In a forthcoming paper to be published in the journal 'Marine Policy', Peter Jones gives an account of the views of fishing industry representatives in south-west England about no-take mpa proposals. Of those questioned, 23% thought such mpas were the way forward. Concerns expressed included that fish yield reductions from the loss of fishing areas would not be compensated for through spillover/export. The view was expressed that [no-take mpa advocates] should be open and honest that such areas are primarily intended to achieve biodiversity conservation benefits.
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Read the latest copy of the Thanet Coast Newsletter twice yearly magazine. This year, the Thanet Coast Project has gone overboard and arranged more exciting events and activities than ever before, including Rockpool Rambles, Seashore Safaris and much more.
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Scuba divers showed their support for a network of MPAs by marching on Parliament on April 3rd dressed in dive kit. The divers delivered a petition of 100,000 names calling for Marine Reserves Now
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WWF is calling for a network of marine reserves to cover at least 30% of the North Sea to help rebuild populations of many fish species and protect their habitats. In the new WWF report, A Return to Abundance: A Case for Marine Reserves in the North Sea, they suggest a network of five experimental marine reserves that will improve the sustainability of fisheries, protect biodiversity, and help establish a healthy ecosystem.
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A report published by the RSPB highlights the urgent need for more work to be done to ensure the increased protection of the UK's marine environment, especially for seabirds, and lays down a challenge to Government to address this issue
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Follow the link to the March 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes news about a project to strengthen the World Database on Protected Areas and a special report on MPAs in Europe.
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Defra has announced its intention today to close the Fal and Helford SAC (seaward of the estuaries) to dredging for shellfish and to demersal trawling. Further info can be found on Defra's website. In conjunction with Defra and CEFAS, CSFC (Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee) will be examining the potential for an experimental Marine Protected Area for scallops within this area.
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Finding Sanctuary is planning a series of science workshops, gathering together the best available scientific knowledge and expertise about our regional seas. The first four workshops, organised in conjunction with the RSPB, MarLIN and MCS, will be held in April 2008, and will focus on answering the most fundamental questions: What species/ habitats/ other features need to be represented within the MPA? How much of each? Why? What impacts do these features need protecting from?
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Follow the link to the February 2008 issue of MPA news (International News and Analysis on Marine Protected Areas). Includes news about a project to strengthen the World Database on Protected Areas and tips on restoring seagrass after vessel damage.
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The Pew Institute for Ocean Science announced the recipients of the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation for 2008. Five awardees will carry out projects that are urgently needed to enhance the effectiveness of marine protected areas, improve coral reef health, and sustain fisheries. The winners, based in the United States, China, France, Australia and Canada will each recieve $150,000 to conduct innovative research projects over three-years.
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A project from SPEA (BirdLife Portugal) to identify marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) unanimously won Portugal's National BES Biodiversity award. The project, supported by the European Commission's LIFE programme, was a pioneer project in Europe and forms a scientific basis for the designation of the future network of protected marine areas, including identifying EU Natura 2000 sites.
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Held by the Government of Spain and UNESCO in Madrid from 4-9 February 2008, the congress brought together international experts and the MAB constituency to work on a five-point agenda to elaborate an Action Plan for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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Scientists at Oregon university liken the success of marine reserves to cooking, in that success is dependent upon the balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, to achieve the required taste. The article argues that marine reserves work and discusses the science which success is based upon.
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Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in the Scottish Parliament attended a public meeting on the Isle of Arran to make an announcement on the Lamlash Bay project. The announcement was hoped to bring the establishment of Scotland's first No Take Zone and the UK's first community and fishermen led Marine Protected Area a giant step closer.
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The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity will be held in Valencia, Spain on 11-15 November 2008. There are several sessions relevant to biodiversity conservation and to mpa's, the most obvious being '4.3 Conserving Marine Biodiversity: Making Policy, Management Tools, and Scientific Knowledge Work Together'
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The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) have launched a consultation on the selection of the first seven Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for UK offshore waters. JNCC recommended the seven areas as offshore SACs to Government between 2002 and 2006. The coming into force of the Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations in August 2007 means that the scientific justification for these sites and their boundaries can now be consulted upon. The consultation period will last for 12 weeks, and submissions need to be sent to JNCC by 14 March 2008.
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The draft management scheme for Cardigan Bay SAC is now available online. The SAC newsletter which includes a summary of the scheme is also available to download.
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The conference was held in Scarborough from 2-4 October 2007. Attendees with experience in the management, designation, science and policy of MPAs were able to share information. The conference also provided an opportunity to learn about the latest MPA science, good practice and policies from speakers from the UK and abroad. The conference report is available here
Thursday 04th of February 2010Government releases new 15-year strategy for marine science
Thursday 04th of February 2010Ocean stewardship forum in Southampton, 26-28 May
Thursday 04th of February 2010Oceans 2025 Annual Science Meeting in Plymouth, 11-13 May
Monday 18th of January 2010Introduction of Northern Ireland marine bill a year away
Monday 18th of January 2010Chagos MPA meeting boycotted by Mauritius
Friday 15th of January 2010New issue of MPA News
Thursday 14th of January 2010Finding Sanctuary hosts drop-in days in Plymouth and Falmouth (and elsewhere!)
Thursday 14th of January 2010Crown Estate announces offshore wind development partners
Tuesday 12th of January 2010Lundy Island becomes UK's first Marine Conservation Zone
Tuesday 12th of January 2010Devon trawlers reduce juvenile fish discards by >50%
Monday 11th of January 2010London conference on coastal futures
Tuesday 05th of January 2010MPAs needed to protect endangered whales from whale-watchers
Tuesday 05th of January 2010Net Gain hits the road
Monday 14th of December 2009Two new Welsh SACs complete consultation
Monday 14th of December 2009Climate change impacts on oceans discussed in Copenhagen
Friday 11th of December 2009Oceans store carbon... but at what cost?
Tuesday 08th of December 2009Webinar on developing High Seas MPAs- December 16
Tuesday 01st of December 2009Defra, JNCC and Natural England annouce membership of the MPA Science Advisory Panel
Monday 30th of November 2009WWF Marine Health Check Update 2009
Friday 27th of November 2009Formal consultation starts on proposed European marine sites
Monday 23rd of November 2009Scottish Parliament debates effectiveness of Lamlash Bay No-Take Zone
Wednesday 18th of November 2009Coastal carbon sink ecosystems in danger
Wednesday 18th of November 2009Setting maximum sustainable yields in a changing environment
Tuesday 17th of November 2009Marine Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act
Tuesday 17th of November 2009Public identifies 73 sites for marine reserve consideration
Tuesday 17th of November 2009New issue of MPA News available
Wednesday 11th of November 2009Britain's new MPA will protect penguins!
Tuesday 10th of November 2009Impending enactment of England's Marine and Coastal Access Bill!
Tuesday 10th of November 2009New fee schedule for MPA conference Sea Change: securing a future for Europe's seas
Monday 09th of November 2009New partnership plans large-scale study of Scottish seas
Sunday 08th of November 2009New environmental damage and liability regulations for the UK
Friday 30th of October 2009Recovering the world's marine ecosystems
Thursday 29th of October 2009Impending collapse of bluefin tuna in NE Atlantic and Med
Wednesday 28th of October 2009Latest Marine Bill policy paper
Wednesday 28th of October 2009The role of fishermen in MPA design and acheiving sustainable fisheries
Monday 26th of October 2009International Conference on MPAs scheduled for December 8-9
Thursday 22nd of October 2009German conference on progress in marine conservation- Nov 2-6
Monday 19th of October 2009Ocean health- conserving our natural carbon capture systems
Monday 19th of October 2009Natural England proposes new SACs and SPAs
Wednesday 14th of October 2009Will the Scottish Marine Bill do enough?
Wednesday 14th of October 2009Identifying global land-sea priority areas for coastal marine conservation
Monday 12th of October 2009New document on Scottish Marine Bill
Monday 05th of October 2009Web-based seminar More Lessons from MPA Networking Programs- October 19th
Monday 05th of October 2009Conference on Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity- Nov. 5th
Monday 05th of October 2009Suffolk conference on past, present and future of Protected Areas- Nov. 10-12
Monday 28th of September 2009MPAs get better with age!
Wednesday 16th of September 2009Latest issue of MPA News out now
Wednesday 16th of September 2009New model predicts distribution of priority European habitats for Natura 2000
Wednesday 16th of September 2009Finding Sanctuary announces regional steering group for south west MCZ project
Monday 14th of September 2009Survey illustrates conscience over cost in consumer fish choices
Monday 14th of September 2009Updated Moray Firth SAC management scheme protects bottlenose dolphins
Tuesday 08th of September 2009New south west SACs lauded by conservationists but questioned by fishermen
Monday 24th of August 2009U.S. seismic tests given go-ahead in Canada's first MPA
Monday 24th of August 2009Annual beach clean-up planned for September!
Tuesday 18th of August 2009Defra releases Marine Bill newsletter
Tuesday 18th of August 2009Web-based seminar on MPA networking programs
Monday 03rd of August 2009Five new cold water coral reefs found in pristine condition in UK survey
Monday 03rd of August 2009Basking shark conference underway on Isle of Man
Tuesday 28th of July 2009French Government wants 20% of its seas & oceans as MPAs by 2020
Monday 27th of July 2009Fishery sustainability is an issue for consumers
Monday 27th of July 2009Government renewables funding stalls while concerns raised over effects on parklands and marine reserves
Monday 20th of July 2009Natural England proposes new draft and potential MPAs
Friday 17th of July 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Friday 17th of July 2009Britain and France unite to save dwindling tuna
Monday 13th of July 2009Recovering cod stocks may allow for increased catch quotas
Monday 13th of July 2009Large expansion of offshore wind generators planned for South West
Monday 13th of July 2009WWF releases Marine Health Check Update
Wednesday 08th of July 2009DEFRA seeks scientific advisors for panel on MCZ creation
Tuesday 07th of July 2009MPAs not enough to protect migratory fish
Friday 03rd of July 2009First half of North Rona survey completed
Thursday 02nd of July 2009Will the Marine Bill do enough for marine conservation?
Thursday 02nd of July 2009One-third of world's oceanic sharks threatened by fishing
Thursday 02nd of July 2009Wildlife Trusts launch website dedicated to North Sea conservation
Wednesday 01st of July 2009Puffin tagging project seeks to explain decline
Wednesday 01st of July 2009Legal protection overridden as Scottish SSSI set to become Trump Golf Course
Wednesday 24th of June 2009Surveys of Isles of Scilly SAC uncover rich new biodiversity
Wednesday 24th of June 2009Debate over effectiveness of MPAs in managing UK fishery stocks
Tuesday 23rd of June 2009Food shortages lead to decrease in UK shorebirds over past decade
Tuesday 23rd of June 2009New Government climate change forecast seen as wake-up call
Thursday 18th of June 2009Marine Conservation Society launches public campaign calling for more UK marine reserves
Wednesday 17th of June 2009Results of offshore seabed mapping surveys available from JNCC
Tuesday 16th of June 2009Areas of Mid-Atlantic Ridge closed to bottom fishing
Tuesday 16th of June 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Tuesday 16th of June 2009Does End of the Line over-simplify the state of fish stocks?
Tuesday 16th of June 2009South West fishermen and divers invited to help plan Marine Conservation Zones
Friday 12th of June 2009Without MPAs, aquaria may be only refuge for reefs of the future
Wednesday 10th of June 2009UNEP launches global database of MPAs
Tuesday 09th of June 2009Marine mammals in need of more, larger protected areas
Tuesday 09th of June 2009New film calls for more responsible use of the world's oceans
Tuesday 09th of June 2009European Commission requests public input on Common Fisheries Policy reforms
Monday 08th of June 2009Northern Ireland Marine Bill might solve litter problem
Friday 05th of June 2009Creation of Italian MPA leads to rebounding fish populations
Wednesday 03rd of June 2009Marine Bill report stage concluded by House of Lords
Wednesday 03rd of June 2009Honeycomb worm reefs discovered off of Luce Bay
Tuesday 02nd of June 2009New study calls for more inclusion of fisheries industry in No Take Zone MPA dialogue
Monday 01st of June 2009Fisheries fund provides millions for English fishing industry
Monday 01st of June 2009MPAs make good economic sense
Monday 01st of June 2009Working towards the world's largest Marine Protected Area
Monday 01st of June 2009Underwater video of Welsh MPAs now online
Tuesday 26th of May 2009Rules deciding fishing quotas could be decentralised in EU review of Common Fisheries Policy
Saturday 23rd of May 2009Census of Marine Life reconstructs state of oceans from centuries past
Thursday 21st of May 2009Plans for Severn Barrage raise environmental concerns
Thursday 21st of May 2009Scottish Government and Marine Stewardship Council partner to boost certification of fisheries
Monday 18th of May 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Friday 15th of May 2009Shellfish industry needs major restructuring, according to leading industry figure
Friday 15th of May 2009Public input sought on Cardigan Bay boating plan
Thursday 14th of May 2009New industry-wide management efforts for UK crab and lobster stocks
Wednesday 13th of May 2009An illustration of a Marine Bill MPA network
Wednesday 13th of May 2009Draft guidance on MCZ creation in Marine Bill
Wednesday 13th of May 2009Delegates warn Parliament that Marine Bill needs strengthening
Tuesday 12th of May 2009One year on, Scotland still without its first marine conservation area
Sunday 10th of May 2009Seahorse tagging project begun in Dorset
Wednesday 06th of May 2009Scottish Marine Bill introduced
Wednesday 06th of May 2009A draft strategy for marine protected areas
Friday 01st of May 2009New issue of Fishing Focus released
Monday 27th of April 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Monday 27th of April 2009Call for 20-year fishing ban in a third of oceans
Monday 06th of April 2009A bridge too far?
Monday 06th of April 2009North Sea's first No-Take Zone
Friday 13th of March 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Tuesday 03rd of March 2009Defra produce indicative maps to help explain devolved application of Marine and Coastal Access Bill
Friday 13th of February 2009Tyneside to be Home to New Marine Management Organisation
Friday 13th of February 2009Latest issue of MPA news out now
Tuesday 10th of February 2009Plymouth scientists release UK marine life layer for Google Oceans
Wednesday 28th of January 2009Moray Firth dolphins given reprieve from oil and gas exploration
Tuesday 27th of January 2009Finding Sanctuary steering group calling for new members
Tuesday 06th of January 2009Bush to designate world's largest marine protected area
Monday 22nd of December 2008JNCC launches new marine protected areas website
Thursday 18th of December 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Friday 12th of December 2008Finding Sanctuary launches new website
Wednesday 10th of December 2008Too many conservation zones put livelihoods and skills at risk
Tuesday 09th of December 2008Open source mapping tool wins Mellon award for technology
Tuesday 09th of December 2008Marine LBAP guidance manual for England published.
Tuesday 09th of December 2008Fishing should be banned in 30% of UK waters
Monday 08th of December 2008Latest issue of JNCC Nature News out now
Monday 08th of December 2008The Marine and Coastal Access Bill
Friday 05th of December 2008UK basking sharks still under threat according to two reports
Tuesday 02nd of December 2008Natural England calls on government to deliver on Marine Bill
Monday 01st of December 2008Scotland given more control over marine environment
Tuesday 25th of November 2008First British offshore marine protected areas
Monday 17th of November 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Monday 10th of November 2008Dog tags
Tuesday 21st of October 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Tuesday 14th of October 2008Marine Conservation Society (MCS) launches Silent Seas report
Friday 10th of October 2008Less than half of European protected species and habitats are in favourable conservation status.
Tuesday 07th of October 2008IUCN WCPA-marine launches global Plan of Action for establishing MPAs
Tuesday 07th of October 2008IUCN and Google Earth bring MPAs to your desktop
Thursday 25th of September 2008Government's response to the Defra Marine Bill Consultation published
Monday 22nd of September 2008Scotland gets its first 'No-Take Zone'
Sunday 21st of September 2008Proposed Marine Reserve at Lamlash Bay: consultation responses now available
Monday 15th of September 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Monday 11th of August 2008How much could MCZs be worth?
Monday 11th of August 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Wednesday 30th of July 2008Joint Committee Report on Draft Marine Bill out
Tuesday 29th of July 2008Plymouth marine scientists contracted to monitor the ecological and socio-economic impact of the Lyme Bay 60 square mile exclusion zone
Wednesday 16th of July 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Wednesday 16th of July 2008Proceedings of the 41st European Marine Biology Symposium published
Sunday 13th of July 2008Scottish Marine Bill consultation document released
Monday 30th of June 2008Marine reserves in Northern Ireland: Report to WWF and Ulster Wildlife Trust
Tuesday 24th of June 2008UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw MP visits the Lundy Marine Nature Reserve
Monday 23rd of June 2008POSTnote issued on Marine Conservation Zones
Friday 20th of June 2008DEFRA announces protection for Lyme Bay Reefs
Monday 16th of June 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Wednesday 11th of June 2008Inquiry into Trump International Golf Links resort development on SSSI underway
Monday 09th of June 2008COAST win Observer Ethical Conservation Award
Monday 02nd of June 2008Defra gives guidance on selecting and designating MCZs
Sunday 01st of June 2008Making Waves
Sunday 18th of May 2008Marine Protected Areas and the Marine Bill - has anything changed?
Saturday 17th of May 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Thursday 03rd of April 2008Better protected seas promised in Marine Bill
Thursday 03rd of April 2008Responses to Consultation on measures to protect Lyme Bay marine biodiversity
Thursday 03rd of April 2008Fishing industry perspective on no-take MPAs in SW England
Thursday 03rd of April 2008Latest issue of Thanet Coast Newsletter out now
Thursday 03rd of April 2008Scuba Divers March On Westminster and Demand Marine Reserves Now
Thursday 20th of March 2008Call for North Sea reserves
Wednesday 19th of March 2008RSPB challenge the government to protect seabirds
Tuesday 11th of March 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Friday 07th of March 2008Fal and Helford SAC to be closed to dredging for shellfish and demersal trawling
Monday 18th of February 2008Finding Sanctuary science workshops - April 2008
Sunday 10th of February 2008Latest issue of MPA news out now
Tuesday 05th of February 2008Pew Institute for Ocean Science awards 5 fellowships in support of global marine conservation
Thursday 31st of January 2008Important Bird Areas project wins prize
Monday 28th of January 2008The 3rd World Congress of Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere Futures
Wednesday 23rd of January 2008The similarity of culinary skills and marine reserves.
Monday 21st of January 2008Giant step closer to Scotland's first Marine No Take Zone.
Tuesday 01st of January 2008The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, Valencia, Spain, 11-15 November 2008
Thursday 20th of December 2007JNCC consults on the selection of UK offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Thursday 01st of November 2007Cardigan Bay SAC draft management plan
Tuesday 04th of September 2007Towards a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas conference.