Sea angling and marine conservation zones

The government's draft Marine Bill proposes a new type of marine protected area. These will be known as marine conservation zones (MCZs), and they will allow the protection of nationally important habitats and species. 

The network of MCZs, due to be introduced around the English coastline by 2012, will help to halt the decline in biodiversity by including the full range of UK habitats and species and conserving areas where there are rare and threatened species and habitats. It will provide areas of good quality habitat which help to ensure that the marine environment is healthy and able to deliver the many goods and services we rely on. 

The intention is to balance our use of marine areas, so that communities support the marine protected area network and socio-economic activities are taken into account in designing the network.

Cefas, through the auspices of Natural England, has been commissioned to research potential interactions between recreational sea angling and marine conservation zones. A literature review - detailing the biology of fish species commonly taken by recreational sea anglers and the angling methods used - will help to inform policy-makers considering potential management issues.

Cefas is well placed to carry out this work because of its long history of collecting and analysing fisheries data. Our unique and comprehensive knowledge base - relating to fish stocks, fisheries, and the ecosystem - helps us to provide a broad context for decision-makers.

Cefas is also carrying out a small-scale survey of recreational sea anglers for Natural England, to obtain information on:

• the species targeted in different areas and regions
• the angling methods used
• sea anglers' views about MCZs, and
• potential management options that could be applied within MCZs.  

Face-to-face interviews with anglers are being carried out in northeast, northwest, and southeast England. In addition, paper copies of the interview questionnaire are available from some tackle shops, and an electronic version can be completed and emailed to Cefas.

If you would like to contribute to the Cefas survey of recreational sea anglers, and share your opinions about MCZs, visit this project's web page to find out more.

Fact file

Control measures for MCZs may therefore vary, depending on the particular environment to be protected, the level of protection required and who will be able to access the area.