Puffins and marine life safer as Britain extends coastal protection zones

New marine conservation zones around England's coast spanning an area 13 times the size of Greater London were announced Sunday.

The 23 new zones, added to the existing 27 conservation areas, will mean over 20 percent of English coastal waters having environmental protection to make it safer for wildlife in Britain's seas.

Government Marine Environment Minister George Eustice said the new sites will protect almost 10,800 sq kilometers of Britain's most stunning and rich marine habitats. It will bring the total number of MCZs in waters around England to 50, almost doubling the area covered to 20,425 sq kilometers.

The new zones will cover areas from Northumberland in England's far north, famed for its puffins, to Land's End, Britain's most southerly point.

Natural England said the zones will protect 45 different types of habitat, geological features and fascinating species - including stalked jellyfish and spiny lobsters.

Welcoming the designation of the new sites, government minister Eustice said: "As an island nation, the UK is surrounded by some of the richest and most diverse sea life in the world - from the bright pink sea-fan coral colonies off the south-west coast, to the great chalk reef stretches in the east. It's vital we protect our marine environment to ensure our seas remain healthy, our fishing industry remains prosperous and future generations can enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastline and waters.

"By designating these new Marine Conservation Zones and creating a belt of protected areas around the country, we can better protect our environment through careful marine management in years to come."

The 23 new sites are the second of three planned phases of MCZs, with a third phase of proposed MCZs due to go out for wider public consultation next year.

Joan Edwards, head of Living Seas at the charity, the Wildlife Trust, said: "Our seas provide the oxygen for every second breath we take, the fish on our plates and so much more. The designation of 50 Marine Conservation Zones to date is a strong step forward but there is much still to do. We will continue to work with government to achieve the much-needed ambitious and comprehensive third and final tranche."

The government's Department for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs (Defra) said today: "These zonesMarine protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology. They were introduced to halt the deterioration of the UK's marine biodiversity and provide legal means to deliver the UK's international marine conservation commitments." Endit