MARINE CONSERVATION ZONES

That this House notes that despite the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 having set out that 127 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) be fully protected, at the moment the proposals will only fully protect 20 sites; further notes that research has shown that protected areas yield a fourfold increase in the weight of marine species, an increase of 20 per cent in the diversity of wildlife, and also leads to replenishment in fish supplies; admires the example of Lundy Island in Devon, the UK's only MCZ, which is home to grey seals, corals and sea lobsters, which means that it is fully protected from fishing and helps save not only wildlife, but the geomorphology, geology and habitats; further notes that these zones are no-take zones which means they are protected from fishing, sea trawling, scallop dredging and recreational activities such as dropping anchor which means that a number of species will be saved and plants will not be damaged; further notes that protecting all areas are necessary following a recent decline in a number of animals and plants; and calls on the Government to ensure that all 127 MCZs are established to provide the necessary protection by the original deadline.