Shock and Disappointment as 5 out of 7 Proposed MCZs Dropped in the Irish Sea

The Government is leaving the Irish Sea open to an environmental disaster by postponing plans to create a network of Marine Protected Areas. This lack of ambition was confirmed in the recent Defra announcement which excluded 5 out of 7 proposals for Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea.

The Wildlife Trusts are deeply concerned that the Government is failing to protect and recover some of the Irish Sea’s most at risk wildlife and habitats. Our local waters are as diverse as coral reefs, supporting a wealth of species from lobsters, sponges and anemones to at least 30 species of shark and 12 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises). 

Twenty seven MCZs were designated in 2013, including two in the Irish Sea: Fylde MCZ and Cumbria Coast MCZ. This first tranche saw Hilbre Island recommended MCZ (rMCZ) dropped from consideration, alongside several other sites across English waters. The Government has committed to designating an ecologically coherent network of MCZs by 2016 – but the current lack of ambition leaves the Irish Sea woefully underprotected. 

In 2015, only West of Walney rMCZ and Allonby Bay rMCZ will be consulted upon. Five other sites: Mud Hole, South Rigg and Slieve Na Griddle, Mid St George’s Channel and North St George’s Channel rMCZs have been postponed for further consideration, largely on the grounds of potential cost to fisheries.

This is short-sighted, considering the Government’s own scientific advisors concluded that some of these sensitive areas are at high risk of remaining in a damaged condition if no action is taken to protect them. Designating MCZs is a vital part of better managing our seas for both wildlife and people – and we need your help to make this a reality!

How can I help?

1. Become a Friend of MCZs

Visit www.irishsea.org/MCZs

Over the coming months the North West Wildlife Trusts will be calling on the public to act to save their Irish Sea by responding to the Government’s public consultation on MCZs. Please sign up as a Friend of MCZs today to receive updates on the consultation and invitations to local events. 

2. Ask your MP to sign the Marine Charter 

We want all parties to commit to designating an ecologically coherent network of MCZs by 2016 and are asking all MPs to add their support to the Marine Charter. A number of MPs on the Wirral have yet to sign, please visit www.irishsea.org/act to learn more. 

3. Come along to our talk on “Wirral’s Living Seas”, Friday 13th March, 7.30pm, Heswall Hall.

For more information, please email Emily Cunningham, Living Seas Officer.