Natural England

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are zones of our oceans, seas and coasts where species and habitats are protected from activities that are damaging or cause disturbance. This protection can cover the whole ecosystem from the sea floor to the surface. MPAs are places where marine species can thrive and regenerate.

Existing MPAs, and those that will be set up following new legislation, are essential for:

• Healthy, functioning and resilient ecosystems
• Halting the decline of marine biodiversity
• Protecting the range of marine species and habitats, particularly those that are rare, scarce or threatened.

Why do we need them?

Our seas are some of the most highly productive in the world – they contain amazing underwater landscapes and 10,000 species including many of national and European importance that need protecting now and for the future. They help to regulate the Earth’s climate as well as providing oil, gas, food and opportunities for recreation.

Some human activities damage or cause disturbance to marine species and their habitats. Within an MPA, some or all such activities may be excluded. MPAs are needed to achieve and maintain clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.

Marine Protected Areas enable us to:

• Protect and restore the ecosystems in our seas and around our coasts.
• Ensure that the species and habitats found there can thrive and are not threatened or damaged
• Maintain a diverse range of marine life that can be resistant and resilient to change brought about by physical disturbance, pollution and climate change.
• Provide areas where the public can enjoy a healthy marine environment, learn about marine life and enjoy activities such as diving, photography, exploring rock pools and coastal walking.
• Examine the renewable energy potential from our seas.
• Provide natural areas for scientific study.

Lundy: case study of a protected area

England’s marine wildlife

Marine Protected Areas in England

At present, there are five main types of MPA in England:

• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
• Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
• Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs)
• Subtidal Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Voluntary MPAs

Map of current MPAs (UK Marine Protected Areas Centre)

What’s being done?

Marine Bill and MPAs

The forthcoming Marine Bill will make it possible to:

• create new MPAs – to be known as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) for nationally important species and habitats;
• create Highly Protected Marine Reserves (HPMRs) where no extractive activities are permitted;
• provide greater protection for existing MPAs.

Natural England, together with partners, is working to establish an effective and coherent network of MPAs by 2012 that will consist of internationally important marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas and the new, nationally important, Marine Conservation Zones.

Finding Sanctuary is one regional example of this partnership work. It aims to create a network of MPAs – offering marine species and habitats permanent protection - around the coasts and seas of South West England. Particular emphasis is being placed on vulnerable habitats such as maerl beds and deep water corals. The south west network is being designed to take account of currents and the web of connections within and between each MPA.

‘By 2016 we will expect to be seeing seagrass, algal beds and soft corals flourishing. Fish, crabs and other invertebrates will be attracted to the area to search for prey and protection.’ - Finding Sanctuary.

Similar projects will be created in three other regions (Eastern Channel, North Sea and Irish Sea).

New Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas

There is a need for more protection for some specific habitats and species of European importance in English waters that are currently under-represented in the existing suite of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. To achieve this, Natural England is working to identify a number of new Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in English territorial waters (up to 12 miles off the coast). Further information on these new draft sites and how we will consult stakeholders about them should be available in the next couple of months.

Management of existing sites

Natural England is helping partners to ensure that activities within MPAs are well-managed, in order to effectively protect the habitats and species within them. Natural England provides advice on how to improve site condition, and with partners carries out research and monitoring programmes to assess the health of the habitats and species and effects of activities. We are putting together policies and guidance for the management of future MPAs to ensure that there is secure and appropriate management within all MPAs.

Marine Campaign

Natural England is also running a Marine Campaign which provides clear information on the marine life around our coasts and organises public events.

The wider picture

The support and involvement of all those who use the sea for their livelihoods and enjoyment is essential both in selecting and managing Marine Protected Areas on a regional basis.

By linking MPAs together into a coherent network, supported by wider environmental management measures, we will be promoting the recovery and conservation of marine ecosystems.

Natural England is working to deliver healthy sustainable seas outside of MPAs through helping create a marine planning system and ensuring fisheries management is sustainable.

Through the MPA network, the marine environment will be better understood, valued and protected.

Documents and reports

• Methods for managing Marine Protected Areas: Options for establishing and managing a marine protected area system in the UK
• Marine Protected Areas: Policy Position Statement
• Safeguarding Sea Life: the joint UK response to the Review of Marine Nature Conservation.
• Marine Protected Areas - Qualitative Value Modes Research. Full Report by KSBR. 5th February 2008 [1.6MB]

Conference

Towards a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas - 2007 conference which brought together those involved in the management, designation, science and policy development of MPAs.