An article in Yachting Monthly on the question of whether sailors should welcome or be worried by the expanding network of Marine Protected Area. The piece gives some of the background to MPAs in the UK and how this has evolved into the current suite of 127 Marine Conservation Zones.  Richard Hill, the Royal Yachting Association’s planning and environment officer, says, “The Marine Management Organisation is beginning to look at the specific management of Marine Conservation Zones for recreational use. Studland Bay will probably be the crucible of resolving how to manage marine recreation within Marine Conservation Zones.” Other issues raised are the need for marking areas on charts as one element of broader, well-resourced information provision, sailors acting as advocates and champions of marine wildlife, and proper management of MPAs.

The full article can be read here