Have your say as MCZ's close in
Boaters in south-west England are
urged to report environmental findings before marine conservation zone (MCZ)
plans are finalised.
There are six months left until the final plans are gathered and Finding
Sanctuary, a partnership project who work to protect the health of the UK
coastline, are asking everyone from surfers to motorboaters to forward their
findings so that the interests of leisure boaters can be taken in to account.
The advice comes as Lundy Island in Devon, formerly a marine nature reserve,
became the first MCZ in the South West.
Joana Smith from Finding Sanctuary says:
“By the end of our research we aim to have a definitive map showing how
south-west waters are currently used. This information is vital for ensuring
that commercial and leisure interests can be taken into account in deciding
where marine conservation zones should be placed and what activities need to be
restricted in them.”
As the proposed speed limits and prohibited anchoring areas could have a
massive effect on them, leisure boaters are being urged to make their feelings
known.
Kate Moore of the RYA says: “If people miss this opportunity to speak out,
they will be wasting their one chance to determine the future balance between
marine conservation and the way we use our seas. We all know there will be
difficult decisions ahead but those decisions have to be made based on the most
comprehensive and up to date information.”
To have your say on the project go to www.mczmapping.org.
