Response to the Welsh Government Marine Conservation Zone consultation

Summary

Seafish is convinced that the Welsh Government has not put forward a sound scientific or legal basis for setting up the proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). The proposal does not satisfy the criteria for the grounds for designating a MCZ as set out in Section 117 of the Marine and Coastal Access ACT 2009. An adequate marine protected area in any case already exists in Welsh waters. Other grounds for the establishment of the MCZs are not underpinned by evidence - e.g. although there is no evidence that the area needs ecosystem recovery and remediation, these are stated as grounds for setting up the MCZ. Seafish also points out that No Take Zones are not advisable in this situation and suggests better collaboration with fishermen to formulate ecosystem-based management strategies.

Author

• Sarah Horsfall

Publication date

01 August 2012