Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies assures the fishing industry on its central involvement in the process of designating marine conservation zones. The ministry also indicated that there was no question of the Government agreeing to a target of 30 percent or any other arbitrary percentage of the marine environment to be set aside as marine protection zones.
According to the Minister the Government has strong commitment to establish a network of ecologically coherent marine conservation zones but stressed that this needed to be done in engagement with stakeholders, particularly the fishing industry, who potentially have most to lose.
These marine conservation zones are enshrined in the Marine Bill currently passing through Parliament. MCZs will complement the European Special Areas of Conservation required under the Habitats Directive. It means protection could range from some fairly light management activities, up to complete closure.
The NFFO is studying various characteristics for the proposed marine conservation zones as it is essential that the fishing industry at both regional and national levels is given a central say in the design and location of MCZs because fishing activity is more dispersed. It is said that negotiating the boundaries of MCZs is vitally important as there is scope for the fishing industry to negotiate the boundaries of a MCZ. The minister said that transparency, Trust and Confidence should be the basis for moving forward with MCZs.
