An Ecological Network for our Seas

A new on-line interactive map has been launched that allows you to share your knowledge of our seas.

The site has been developed nationally as part of the Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) project. Its aim is to provide an insight into how the sea is being used, and the location of marine wildlife, habitats and geological features. To view the site and learn more about life beneath the waves, or to add your data visit the MCZ Project interactive map. All data that is uploaded will be analysed and passed on to the groups responsible for identifying potential MCZs.

Jewel Anemone

Photo: Sally Sharrock/Sussex Wildlife Trust

What is the Marine Conservation Zone Project?

MCZs are a new type of Marine Protected Area (MPA), to be set up under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This legislation commits the UK to establishing a network of MPAs by 2012, to conserve and contribute to the recovery of, our marine environment.

The MCZ Project is a partnership project, working with people who use the seas for their livelihood or leisure to identify these MCZs. In the south east, the Balanced Seas project is responsible for developing the recommendations for MCZs for the inshore and offshore waters of our region.

To aid this process, Ecological Network Guidance has been produced to give advice on identifying MCZs, including how much of each habitat type should be protected and how far apart from one another these areas should be.

The recommendations of the MCZ projects will be submitted to Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee by June 2011. Ministers will then begin drafting designation orders, with a formal public consultation scheduled for early 2012, prior to the designation of the new MCZs.

These MCZs will then join with our other MPAs (Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest) to form an ecologically coherent and representative network to protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology.

Seasearch volunteer

Photo: Peter Dow/Sussex Wildlife Trust

Why do we need the Marine Conservation Zone Project?

  • Our seas are a vital part of the natural environment, providing us with essential ecosystem services such as carbon dioxide absorption and provision of food and other resources.
  • Identification of an ecologically coherent network of MPAs will ensure we maintain a healthy marine environment able to provide these services on which we rely.
  • This network and our management of MPAs will also enable us to restore the often fragile marine habitats that have been damaged and degraded as we have exploited marine resources such as oil and gravel.
  • MPAs will provide areas for people to learn about, enjoy and study healthy marine environments.
  • Currently, less than 1% of our seas are protected in the UK.

Fan worm

Photo: Paul Naylor/Sussex Wildlife Trust

Links to more information

Balanced Seas
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Natural England
UK Marine Protected Areas Centre