European marine sites
Designated to protect wildlife and habitats of European importance, a network of European Marine Sites (sometimes called Natura 2000 sites or the Natura network) comprise both Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). European Marine Sites form part of the UK's Marine Protected Area network.
Existing and new Natura 2000 sites or European Marine Sites
These cover Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). New inshore and offshore SACs (protecting marine habitats and wildlife) and SPAs (protecting birds and their habitats) around the UK are currently being considered for designation by 2012.
- SACs with marine components
- UK marine SPAs
- Ramsar sites - Marine components of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in England, Scotland and Wales, and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in Northern Ireland
- Guidelines for selection of biological SSIs
While the Natura network is largely complete on land, work is underway to identify and designate new sites as well as extending existing ones both within UK territorial waters - within 12nm of the UK coast, which are often termed 'inshore' sites and also in UK offshore waters - beyond 12 nautical miles.
For further information contact:
Mark Gray
Environmental Assessment Support Officer
t: 01248 605038
e: m_gray@seafish.co.uk
National MPAs
New national MPAs are being proposed under the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) and the Marine (Scotland) Bill. In England and Wales these sites will be known as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and in Scotland, Marine Protected Areas.