Nevertheless, to protect biodiversity and to support a functioning ecosystem, MCZs are part of the Marine Bill and the Federation’s priority is to ensure that they are sited in places and ways that minimise the impact on fishing. The NE Board was reminded of the role that fishing plays in the nation’s food security and the many livelihoods that are dependent on fishing.
It is essential that the fishing industry at local, regional and national levels are centrally involved in overseeing the collating the information that will be used in the selection and designation process.
