UK. New interactive marine conservation zone map launches online

As reported on bymnews.com

A new interactive map has been launched by the Marine Conservation Zone Project, to create an insight into how the sea is being used, and to build upon what we know about existing marine species and habitats in our seas.

Anyone who uses the sea is invited to contribute to this initiative, which will help to identify potential sites for Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). MCZs are a new type of Marine Protected Area (MPA) which will conserve nationally important marine species and habitats and will become part of a network of MPAs that the UK is committed to establishing by 2012.

People can take part in two ways: either by uploading information about their marine activities and the location of marine wildlife, notable habitats and geological features they have seen; or by just looking at the layers of data out of personal interest to discover more about their region’s sea.

All data will be analysed and will inform recommendations for potential MCZs as part of the work being delivered by four regional MCZ projects covering the south-east (Balanced Seas), south-west (Finding Sanctuary), Irish Sea (Irish Sea Conservation Zones) and North Sea (Net Gain).

Find out more here.