Marine reserves SAC's MPA's now MCZ's

Those of us who can recall the heady days of the eighties, when the government legislated for Marine Reserves, may not understand the reasons why there is still only one such reserve, Lundy. In the meantime we have had, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA's). Each new concept appears to involve interminable management and consultation exercises with little real result. Now the draft Marine Bill, available for download at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marinebill/index.htm introduces the concept of Marine Conservation Zones. A great idea but look at the 'catch all' get out clause:

106 (5) 'In considering whether it is desirable to designate an area as an MCZ. the appropriate authority may have regard to any economic or social consequences of doing so. ' .

In our area, we are approaching the end of a two year management consultation for a local SAC. No doubt there will be yet more public consultations if a local MCZ comes to pass.