Natural England

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an umbrella term for an area of sea that is protected from activities that are damaging or cause disturbance to habitats, species and ecosystem processes. MPAs make a practical and significant contribution to the recovery and conservation of marine species and habitats. When designed as a network and supported by wider environment management measures they promote the recovery and conservation of ecosystem structure and function.

Natural England has stated in its Strategic Direction for 2006-9 that one of its key objectives (1.2) is "the conservation, recovery and enhancement of the marine environment". The establishment of a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2012 is the principle target for delivering this objective.

We have a major project working to deliver this target and our MPA work covers three themes:

• ensuring policies, evidence and delivery mechanisms are in place to implement a network of MPAs;
• ensuring MPAs are effective;
• ensuring the future viability of the MPA network.

Current projects include:

• identifying new SACs and SPAs between 0-12 nautical miles;
• research into MPA network design principles;
• formulating Natural England's MPA policy;
• supporting regional MPA projects such as Finding Sanctuary; and
• advising industry and stakeholders on the impact of developments and activities within MPAs.

Natural England's marine campaign will support the delivery of the MPA network.

The forthcoming Marine Bill will provide a mechanism to designate a network of additional MPAs (termed Marine Conservation Zones) for nationally and internationally important habitats and species not covered by these existing designations, or to provide higher levels of protection to components of existing designations. Natural England is working closely with Defra to advise on the development of the provisions for Marine Conservation Zones and to ensure the mechanisms allow robust protection of our seas.

If you'd like more information on our MPA work please contact the MPA Major Project Manager, Mark Duffy at mark.duffy@naturalengland.org.uk

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

Conference 2007

The Conference Towards a Coherent Network of Marine Protected Areas took place 2-4 October 2007 in Scarborough. It brought together those involved in management, designation, science and policy development of MPAs.

Lundy Island

Lundy Island is England's only Marine Nature Reserve and is protected for its reef habitats and associated species. Activities in the reserve are zoned.

Natural England worked with fisheries managers to establish the first area in the UK where all marine wildlife is protected. The area known as a No-Take Zone (NTZ) was created in 2003. We have been monitoring the effects of the area for five years with some surprising results. The greatest change has occurred to the population of lobsters within the NTZ. Lobsters are now significantly more numerous and greater in size inside the area. In 2007 the results have shown 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.