Coast from Clacton to Dengie could come under protection area
7:00pm Tuesday 18th October 2011
WATERS around Mersea could gain special status to protect rare sea animals, under new Government plans.
Rivers Blackwater, Colne and surrounding estuaries could become a Marine Conservation Zone to look after wildlife.
The area, from Clacton to the Dengie penninsula, is home to rare species, including the native oyster and lagoon sea slug. If the status is granted, special restrictions on fishing and sailing could be imposed to protect the marine ecology.
For two years, negotiations have taken place between fishermen, wildlife groups, energy companies and other sea users to try to agree the position of the zones around the country.
Now a case file on Mersea’s wildlife and water usage has been submitted to the next stage.
Sarah Allison, of the Essex Wildlife Trust, said it had been campaigning for protected status for more than ten years.
She said: “I cannot stress how important these zones are. There are only two areas where native oysters thrive.
“It would be crazy to miss this opportunity.”
The trust is planning a petition which it will present to Westminster, ahead of the decision to try to force through as many zones as possible.
It will go to public consultation in early 2012 and a final decision will be made by the summer.
Some local fishermen are concerned that the status could hinder their ability to work.
Possible restrictions could include anchor areas or lower speed limits for boats.
Richard Haward, West Mersea oyster fisherman and supplier, said: “The restrictions won’t be known until after it is imposed and that has caused a lot of unease.
“There are some areas where you won’t be able to breathe in.”
Zones are given their own objectives, depending on the condition of their wildlife.
Heavier restrictions will be placed on areas that need more attention, but Mersea has been recommended as a maintenance status zone.
This means it has a healthy level of wildlife, which needs to be maintained rather than improved.
A 500 square metre reference area, containing examples of thriving biosystems, will be established in each zone.
These will be completely off limits to all fishing and sailing activity.
Marine Conservation Zones are being introduced as part of the 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act.
There are 127 proposed Marine Conservation Zones around the country. Currently Lundy Island, on the West Coast, is the only officially designated Marine Conservation Zone in the country.