A Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) is a type of marine nature reserve in UK waters. They were established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) and are areas designated with the aim to protect nationally important, rare or threatened habitats and species.[1][2] Approximately 20% of UK waters now have some protection although some conservation, fisherman and wildlife groups are concerned that there are no management plans for each zone.[3]
Following Brexit, legislation was introduced into Parliament in January 2020 which would give new powers to the Marine Management Organisation in English waters.
- ^ "Marine Conservation Zones". JNCC. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ "Marine conservation zone designations in England". GOV.UK. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ "Coastal zones: UK's protected 'blue belt' expanded". BBC News. 17 January 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2016.