News
Chances of recovery for marine life in English seas boosted by creation of new Marine Conservation Zones
UK’s leading marine charity says announcement is an encouraging step towards network of protection
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says yesterday’s announcement by Defra that it’s designating a further 23 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English seas is a really positive step in achieving a genuine network of marine protection around the country’s coast.
Among the newly created MCZs are Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds – the longest chalk reef known in Europe; Farnes East – one of the deepest patches of the North Sea, reaching to between 30-100 metres in depth; Greater Haig Fras – the only substantial area of rocky reef in the Celtic Sea and Mounts Bay covering St Michael’s Mount and the Marazion area – home to important species such as seagrass, stalked jellyfish and crayfish.
The new sites bring the total number of MCZs in English sites to 50.
Although it’s still some way off the original number proposed by the Government’s scientific advisors, sea users and conservation groups five years ago, MCS says it’s pleased that the Government appears to be sticking to its commitment to develop a full network of sites, in addition to these 50, with a third and final consultation and designation process due during 2017/18.
Melissa Moore, MCS Head of Policy, says the creation of these latest MCZs marks a step forward in stemming an alarming decline in England’s rich marine biodiversity: “Stunning habitats such as the chalk reefs near Cromer and deep water rocks at Farnes East will now be better protected for future generations as will iconic species such as the ocean quahog, pink sea fan and European eel.”
MCS says designation of sites is just the first step. It’s vital that they are well managed and damaging activities are prevented.
“We’re recommending that the final tranche in 2017 includes South Celtic Deep – a site that supports short-beaked common dolphin – Norris to Ryde, which is rich in seagrass meadows, Mud Hole off the north west coast – 35 metres deep and home to rare sea pens – and Compass Rose off the Yorkshire coast, which is an important spawning and nursery ground for herring and lemon sole. Once the full network is finally designated in 2018, we look forward to English seas beginning to recover from decades of damage,” says Melissa Moore.
Case study: Cromer Shoals MCZ – Norfolk – designated January 2015
This beautiful seascape is thought to be Europe’s longest chalk reef – stretching 20 miles/30 km – but it’s one of England’s least well known. Its highlights are dramatic features sculpted during the ice age; walls and plateaus over 2m high. Animal filled niches, tunnels and ledges and verdant seaweed flourish in the shallow inshore waters. Chalk features are soft encrusted, colonized and burrowed by hundreds of species including Norfolk’s signature crabs and lobsters.
Chalk is relatively soft and can therefore be damaged. MCZ status will ensure that damaging activities won’t happen at this site, but will allow low impact activities to continue.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting the UK’s seas, shores and wildlife. MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection of marine life. Through education, community involvement and collaboration, MCS raises awareness of the many threats that face the UK’s seas and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment. MCS provides information and guidance on many aspects of marine conservation and produces the annual Good Beach Guide, the Good Fish Guide and Fishonline on sustainable seafood, as well as involving thousands of volunteers in projects and surveys such as MCS Beachwatch.
For more information visit www.mcsuk.org.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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