Earlier this month the first suggestions of what might be included in the 2nd tranche of Marine Conservation Zones was aired by Defra. This includes 3 sites within the Biosphere Reserve; namely Foreland Point to Bideford Bay, Hartland to Tintagel and North of Lundy (formerly the proposed Atlantic Array site). The Morte Platform and the estuary were not included in these early suggestions. The Marine Working Group met and there were separate meetings with fishermen. The group and the fishermen all agree with the Hartland to Tintagel and Foreland to Bideford sites, the group is not largely in favour of the north of Lundy site now that the wind energy proposal is currently not being entertained. The Marine Working Group including the fishermen are keen to discuss and propose alternatives to the North of Lundy site that will have less negative economic impact but still deliver good conservation outcomes.
Sunset Coral. (C) Mike Markey