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Environment review backs highly protected marine zones
Practical Boat Owner
|August 2020
Seas around England and Northern Ireland could receive greater protection as a result of a new review by former environment minister Richard Benyon.
The Benyon Review has recommended establishing Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in inshore and offshore English waters and offshore Northern Irish waters. Scottish and Welsh seas are managed by their own devolved governments.
HPMAs are the strongest form of marine protection. Activities such as anchoring and mooring are banned, unless in emergency situations. Navigation through HPMAs is allowed, but subject to speed and noise restrictions. Dredging and fishing are also prohibited.
There are currently 182 designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in England, which include the marine conservation zones. The review argues that many activities, like dredging, still occur in MPAs, and stronger protection is needed if marine flora and fauna are to thrive.
This story is from the August 2020 edition of Practical Boat Owner.
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