Managing fishing in marine protected areas

MMO ‘Our seas have a great variety of marine life and habitats, many of which are rare and of national importance. Marine protected areas (MPAs) help make sure that these are guarded from the increasing pressures of human activity.

There are over 175 MPAs in English waters. These include European marine sites (EMS) and marine conservation zones (MCZ).

EMS collectively describes special areas of conservation (SAC) and (SPA) that are covered by tidal waters. They protect some of our most important marine and coastal habitats and species of European importance. EMSs are designated, in England, under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

They include:

• special areas of conservation (SACs) – designated for habitats
• special protection areas (SPAs) – designated for rare and vulnerable birds

MCZs protect species and habitats of national importance and are designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. There are currently 91 designated MCZs. To view all English MPAs visit our Marine Information System. Click here to read more