‘Marine Conservation Zones in English Seas:     Following our ten year campaign for the UK Marine Act (2009), the first tranche of 27 Marine Conservation Zones were designated in November 2013. The Government launched its public consultation on the second tranche of sites on the 30th January 2015 – with only two weeks to go, we need your support by 24^th April! 37 sites were originally considered for this consultation – but 14 of them have been left out, for this year at least. While this is disappointing, the remaining 23 sites must go through to become designated Marine Conservation Zones, so that they have a chance of being better protected in future.’

You can take part in the consultation here.  The 37 sites including the 14 dropped from this consultation can be viewed here.  Melissa Moore, Senior Policy Officer, Marine Conservation Society

MSFD as well

Defra, the Northern Ireland executive, the Scottish government and the Welsh government are seeking views on the UK’s proposed programme of measures to maintain or achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in their seas by 2020. The consultation covers programme of measures proposals for each of the 11 Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) descriptors. These relate to biological diversity, non-indigenous species, commercially exploited fish and shellfish, food webs, human-induced eutrophication, seafloor integrity, hydrographical conditions, contaminants, contaminants in fish and other seafood, marine litter and introduction of energy (including underwater noise). See https://consult.defra.gov.uk/marine/msfd-programme-of-measures. Deadline is 24 April 2015.