Sealife Sanctuaries For Cornwall

Four havens for marine life are being designated in Cornwall

They're amongst 27 announced by the government in the first wave of Marine Conservation Zones.

Conservations had pushed for 127 zones  around Britain to create a network which would  ensure the healthy future of our seas.  But they say  these are a start and more should be announced over the next four years. 

Cornwall's four coastal Marine Conservation Zones in sites with outstanding marine life are: The Manacles, Padstow Bay
and surrounds, Whitsand and Looe bay, and Upper Fowey
and Point Pill. Nearby, the Isles of Scilly, and Tamar Estuaries will also
benefit from creation of MCZs. There are also three offshore MCZs being
designated off Cornwall:the Canyons, South west Deeps and East of Haig Fras.   

Ruth Williams, Living Seas Manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been talking to our reporter Wendy Buckingham 

 CLICK HERE

Joan Edwards of The Wildlife Trusts's Head of Living Seas
says,  'Marine protection is an issue which matters to anyone who has ever spent
happy afternoons exploring rockpools or been enchanted by chance encounters
with dolphins, whales or one of the many other captivating species we enjoy in
our waters.

 'This announcement brings us closer to realising our vision of Living Seas
where marine wildlife is able to thrive and recover from human impacts. Well
protected marine ecosystems will be more resilient to future challenges from
climate change and ocean acidification and healthy seas are also vital to
support productive fisheries for the future.'