YSYV and MCZ projects
The Marine Conservation Society believe that new sites to be designated as Marine Conservation Zones (off England & Wales) and Marine Protected Areas (off Scotland) should be selected based on scientific criteria. Where marine flora or fauna or habitats are not rare, threatened or declining and the desirability of designating two or more areas is equal, then we accept that regard could be given to any social or economic consequences of designation as a secondary consideration, subject to the achievement of ecological coherence of the site network and the site conservation objectives as set out in the UK and Scottish Marine Bills.
Where socio-economic criteria are being considered, for example when choosing between ecologically equivalent sites, we believe that if commercial interests are to have a say in where such representative sites are located so should the public, divers and others who appreciate our seas. This will help reflect the fact that the sea is not simply a resource that is there to be exploited. Instead, it is an important natural asset to be enjoyed by all, and conservation zones and marine protected areas will be appreciated by a great many people, including our members and the general public; both in person and in just knowing they exist.
Your Seas Your Voice offers the UK public the opportunity to show they support the principle of marine reserves in our seas, will help show where sites have most public support and could also identify new sites with scientific merit that government searches might have overlooked.
