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Plans for network of 'nature reserves' postponed

The Cumbria Wildlife Trust has warned that postponing plans to create a network of "nature reserves" off the coast of Cumbria will leave the Irish Sea open to an environmental disaster.

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DEFRA: we're doing 'more than ever' to protect our seas

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs has said it is doing more than ever to protect our seas.

The statement comes in response to a warning form the Cumbria Wild Life Trust that postponing plans to create a network of "nature reserves" off the coast of Cumbria will leave the Irish Sea open to an environmental disaster.

"We're doing more than ever to protect our seas, preserving incredibly underwater landscapes and helping our sea life flourish.

"We've already created 27 Marine Conservation Zones and a quarter of English inshore waters are in protected areas.

"It is important we secure the future of our coastal communities as part of our long term economic plan. We want to support these communities while protecting our marine life."

– George Eustice, Marine Environment Minsiter

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Postponing network of nature reserves 'environmental disaster'

Allonby Bay is one of the areas suggested in plans for seven Marine Conservation Zones Credit: ITV

The Cumbria Wildlife Trust has accused the Government of failing to protect and recover the regions most at-risk wildlife and habitats.

The Trust has argued that postponing plans to create a network of "nature reserves" off the coast of Cumbria will leave the Irish Sea open to an environmental disaster.

Two years ago, five areas off of the Cumbrian coast were put forward as potential Marine Conservation Zones, which would restrict fishing and human activity.

Three, including Mud Hole near Whitehaven, have since been declared unsuitable.

Two more, Allonby Bay in northwest Cumbria and West of Walney a few miles out to sea from Barrow, will go up for consultation this year.

The Trust argues that the reserves would not only protect at-risk wildlife, but improve the fishing industry.

"Supporting sustainable fisheries, instead of encouraging overfishing and habitat destruction, would increase fish landings, generate more income and create more jobs in the sector.

Decision-makers need to think of sustainable fisheries as an opportunity for job creation and increasing the value of fisheries rather than an environmental principal that comes at a price to the industry. MCZs are a vital part of this process."

– Dr Emily Baxter, Marine Conservation Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust
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