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Conservation

Breadcrumbs

Lundy: case study of a protected area

Lundy, in the Bristol Channel was Britain’s first Marine Protected Area. A voluntary marine nature reserve was established round the island in 1971. It is now England's only Marine Nature Reserve and is protected for its reef habitats and associated species which are protected by strict controls on permitted activities. Within the Marine Nature Reserve, a specially designated ‘No Take Zone’, established through a Sea Fisheries Committee byelaw, all marine wildlife is protected and no fishing is allowed.

In the south west, lobsters are part of a rich diversity of sealife supported by networks of reefs. Seac caves provide an important shelter where, if they escape being fished, lobsters can grow to a large size and live for up to 80 years. Photograph: Lucy Kay/Marine Wildlife

We have been monitoring the effects of the protection of area for five years with some surprising results. The greatest change has occurred to the population of lobsters within the No Take Zone. Lobsters are now significantly more numerous and greater in size inside the area. In 2007 the results showed that the adjacent areas are also benefiting from the increasing population of lobsters. Lundy Island is starting to reveal how No-Take Zones can benefit both wildlife and people that use and enjoy the seas around it.

Take a virtual tour of Lundy