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New Marine Conservation Zones, EMFF launch, D&G FLAG member recruitment, proposed SAC for harbour porpoise
New Marine Conservation Zones Announced
 

News for January 2016


New Marine Conservation Zones 

23 new areas along the UK coast were announced on 17 January as the latest Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to be awarded environmental protection by the Government, extending the country’s ‘Blue Belt’ to cover over 20% of English waters (out to 200 nautical miles) and providing vital protection for the diverse array of wildlife in our seas. 
 
The Blue Belt is made up of different types of Marine Protected Areas. These are Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Ramsar sites. MPAs are just one of the measures being taken to ensure clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas.
 
Defra has already made good progress in designating a network of sites in the Blue Belt. Over 17% of UK waters (including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and almost a third of English inshore waters (out to 12 nautical miles) are now within MPAs, including the MCZs designated this week. Marine Conservation Zones protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology. They were introduced to halt the deterioration of the UK’s marine biodiversity and provide legal means to deliver the UK’s international marine conservation commitments.

Inshore MCZs just designated include Allonby Bay MCZ on the Cumbrian coast of the Solway Firth.

For more information click here
 
 
 News Update & Events


Deadline 29 January 2016
Trainee Marine Conservation Officers
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is inviting applications for six Trainee Marine and Coastal Conservation Officers. The placement offers nine month traineeships to six highly motivated individuals with an interest in marine conservation.The Marine and Coastal Heritage Programme is designed to give trainees the opportunity to gain the foundation skills and practical experience that are necessary for those working in marine and coastal conservation.  For more information click here

January 2016

Capturing Our Coast (CoCoast)
CoCoast is a national project in which members of the public and scientists will work together to collect information about marine species along our stunning UK coasts. Participants will be offered training and support to monitor and record specific species in their local coastal area. To get involved or for more information visit the CoCoast website here


 

EMFF and D&G FLAG Recruitment

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) programme is now open for registrations of interest. Recruitment of D&G Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) members is also underway with an application deadline of 31 January.

In both Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria funding will support 'Community-led Local Development via FLAGs'.  In addition, within Dumfries and Galloway, funding is available for:
  • Improvements to fishing gear and energy efficiency
  • Investments onboard fishing vessels
  • Investments to shore based facilities
  • Partnerships and advisory services
  • Aquaculture, processing and marketing
  • Support for internal partners
  • Marine environment and inland fishing
In Cumbria, funding is available for:
  • Assisting with implementation of the reformed CFP including the Landing Obligation
  • Improving health and safety on fishing vessels
  • Improving the added value or quality of fish caught including use of unwanted catch
  • Investments in fishing ports, landing sites, auction halls and shelters
  • Processing of fishery and aquaculture products
  • Investments in aquaculture
For more information click here

Consultation on pSAC for Harbour Porpoise

A number of marine areas around the UK are under consideration as possible Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for harbour porpoise.
 
SACs are areas of land or sea identified as being of European importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Under the EU Habitats and Species Directive 1992 all EU member states are required to designate SACs and put in place measures to ensure the conservation of the habitats and species for which the sites are designated.

The current consultation for the network of harbour porpoise SACs includes the North Channel as a possible SAC.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek the view of all interested parties on:
  • The scientific case for the designation of the possible harbour porpoise SACs; and
  • The assessment of the likely economic and social impact of the designation of the sites
The decision on whether to designate SACs is made by UK Ministers with Ministers in the devolved Governments being responsible in their respective waters. No decisions have yet been made in relation to these sites.  This consultation is carried out on behalf of the Government to whom the results of the consultation will be reported.

Full details of these proposals and the consultation response form, along with details of the sites undergoing consultation are available by clicking here
 
 
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