The UK's marine reserves are nothing but paper parks

Introduction

There are a number of designated sites in the sea, recognising special characteristics relating to biodiversity and archaeology. These designations range from local, national and international in their importance. As we have a limited (compared to the land) knowledge of marine wildlife, there are probably more areas that should be designated in the future. There are statutory and non-statutory marine conservation areas along the Sussex coast (out to 6 nautical miles). The following links provide further information.

Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee - Fact sheet with map of sites

Marine reserves summary

Statutory sites

European Marine Sites;
Dungeness to Pett Level European Marine SitePagham Harbour European Marine SiteSolent European Marine Site (Chichester Harbour) which has a developing 'Single scheme of management'

Non statutory sites

Voluntary designations include the Seven Sisters Voluntary Marine Conservation Area, and various marine sites of nature conservation importance (mSNCI). The SeaSearch project identifies mSNCIs and local authorities make the designations. Are you a keen diver?, if so you could help map out our seabed, click on the SeaSearch link to take part and do your bit for the environment.

East Sussex County Council

Seven Sisters Voluntary Marine Conservation Area  SeaSearch
 
Marine & Coastal Access Bill

This bill entered in to Parliament in November 2008, and is currently progressing through the Parliamentary process. Part of it provides for the designation and protection of Marine Conservation Zones. Some or all of the above sites may be included in these areas where fishing may be restricted. See the column on the right form more information.

Find out more at Defra; Marine Bill

Because the sea is less well studied, there may be a lot more to understand, so let's hope we do not destroy it before we gain this knowledge.

TAKE ACTION FOR FISH SAKE

Buy local inshore
day caught fish

Avoid otter, beam and pair trawlers

Avoid fish breeding seasons

Try some alternative fish to help create new demand

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Buy cat food made from sustainable fish

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Download the Fish Fight app

The Marine Bill

Probably the most important marine legislation ever! BUT we must get the detail right if we want to make it effective. This section talks about Marine Conservation Zones (part 5 of the Bill).

The Bill seeks to combine marine protected areas under European Directives together with Marine Conservation Zones(MCZs) and other designated sites to deliver an ecologically coherent network by 2012.

The Defra web site says " MCZs will protect areas covering the habitats and species which exist in our seas. They will be both large enough, and close enough together, to support functioning communities of marine wildlife. They will be used to protect areas that are important to conserve the diversity of rare, threatened and representative habitats and species, which could include the rare fan shell (Atrina fragilis), the ocean quahog clam (Arctica Icelandica), seagrass (Zostera) and maerl beds"

A UK Marine Reserves Campaign by Friends of the Earth is seeking to ensure that 30% of our seas out to 200 nautical miles are Highly Protected Marine Reserves. Find out more or support their campaign by clicking here

It is the view of Goodfish that MCZs are primarily a habitat measure that may provide some fisheries benefits. Additional measures will be needed if the inshore fishery is to be enhanced and sustainable. The first few mile out to sea from the point of low tide is an important area to enhance for many reasons. Goodfish will make informal representations to encourage the new Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities to stop all trawling in a one mile zone and restrict certain trawling methods in the inshore area generally. In Sussex this could enhance fish stocks, increase crab whelk and lobster populations and allow the seabed to function naturally. Rare inshore species such as the Allis and Twait Shad fishes might also be better protected along with cat sharks, rays and even seahorses.

Goodfish will therefore consider a campaign for;
A trawl free one to three mile zone out to seaA six mile ban on pair trawling

If your business uses locally caught fish, from small boats that do not beam, pair or otter trawl, then the 'Coast Friendly' Initiative may be for you! Click here to find out about the trial that you could be part of.

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