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Marine Protected Areas

Demand protection for English seas

The public consultation on Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English seas has now closed. A huge thank you to everyone who took part. 

We'll continue to put pressure on the Government as they consider all the responses and will keep you posted on what happens next.

In the meantime, you can still pledge your support for English seas. Please also pledge your support for Scottish seas ahead of the Scottish public consultation this summer. 

 

 

England

Scotland’s seas need your help

Scotland’s marine environment is totally breathtaking, from cold water coral reefs to leaping dolphins and seabird cities.

But the seas around Scotland have been overused for centuries and now they need protection to help the marine life recover and allow future generations to enjoy and earn a living from the sea.

Pledge your support here for a comprehensive network of MPAs around Scotland and we’ll let you know how and when you can get involved as our campaign for protection progresses.

Scotland

Protection for Welsh seas!

The Welsh Government is currently reviewing the whole Marine Conservation Zones project in light of the responses made by stakeholders to the first consultation. They have set up a task and finish group and a Stakeholder Focus Group in order to assist with this review. They will present their findings to the Minister John Griffiths in April 2013.

MCS have been invited onto the Stakeholder Focus Group and we will be representing your views at all meetings. 

We are all passionate about the seas around Wales. We'll let you know when next you can take action.

Wales

MCS News

For one day only, let`s get tweeting

News Item imageWe've been to hand in your MCZ pledges to No 10. Tweet the minister so he can't ignore us >> More   

MCS at Holyrood to hand in marine pledges

News Item imageMCS' Calum Duncan hands in thousands of pledges supporting MPAs in Scotland to Environment Minister >> More

English consultation now closed

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the public consultation on 127 Marine Conservation Zones in English seas - which has now closed. Watch this space to see what happens next!

12 days left to save English seas

The public consultation on Marine Conservation Zones closes at the end of March. Find out why this is so important for Coleen the Quahog and have your say now. >> More 

March for marine protection a huge success

News Item imageAlmost 2,000 join MCS, BSAC, Sea Life and Fish Fight on the Westminster rally >> More   

Fish Fighting Hugh to front MCS march on Westminster

News Item imageMCS' march on Westminster gathers pace with support from Fish Fight, BSAC and Sea Life. Get involved now! >> More  

Join our Westminster rally

On 25th February 2013, MCS is leading a march across Westminster bridge to the Houses of Parliament to show mass support for 127 Marine Conservation Zones in English seas.  >> More

Sea creatures sing for their survival

Watch our new video showing why England's sea creatures are so desperate for 127 Marine Conservation Zones. Please share it and help it go viral >> Watch now

Government shows lack of ambition with latest MCZ announcement

News Item imagePublic consultation on MCZs is launched today with promise of just 31 zones to be designated in 2013 >>More     

Scottish MPA network worth £10 billion

News Item imageMCS part of new report that says marine protection will safeguard range of hidden benefits >> More    

Plans for EU's largest marine protected area

News Item imageMCS commends proposals for five new offshore Special Areas of Conservation. Read More >>

Meet Kat Skater, the 'not so common' skate

MCS is introducing a range of comedic characters to highlight the serious need for 127 Marine Conservation Zones in English seas. >> More

Save Scottish Seas

MCS in Scotland is co-ordinating this exciting joint campaign in support of a network of Scottish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). >>More

Evidence opens door for MCZ designation

News Item imageMCS welcomes report that says there is sufficient evidence to justify designation of protected network >>More

FAQs on why MCS supports highly protected MCZs

MCS releases new statement on why highly protected MCZs are needed. >> More









 

Over the past 20-30 years there has been increasing evidence of the decline and deterioration of marine wildlife and habitats because of human activities. At the same time, research has shown the positive effects of partially or fully protected marine protected areas. We can reverse the trend and allow our seas a chance to recover. The time to do that is NOW.

Find out how you can take action to protect English, Welsh and Scottish seas.

Marine Protected Areas

Sea life around the coast of the British Isles is just as colourful, fascinating and beautiful as that found anywhere else in the world. Our underwater landscapes should be teeming with life and amazingly varied – but not everywhere is like this.

Our seas support everything from valuable fish stocks to delicate jewel-like anemones and giant basking sharks, leatherback turtles and seals. The wealth of our seas lies in their diversity. There is so much to lose, but even more to gain.