Sybarite
Well-Known Member
http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/537586/120-mps-unite-in-call-for-greater-protection-of-uk-seas
(Apologies if it has already been posted.)
(Apologies if it has already been posted.)
MCZ's - vigilance required
- Thread starter Sybarite
- Start date
Seajet
...
Too right vigilance is required !
Given half a chance the Packhams of this world would put a barbed wire fence around their granny if there is a TV career in it, and a lot of politico's are dim or lazy enough to go along with them unquestioningly...
Given half a chance the Packhams of this world would put a barbed wire fence around their granny if there is a TV career in it, and a lot of politico's are dim or lazy enough to go along with them unquestioningly...
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Actually two months old, so I'm not sure why PBO have suddenly woken up to it!
The press release of the 'appeal', timed just at the point at which DEFRA will be beginning to narrow down their list of potential sits for the next tranche of designations, can be found here: http://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/Marine_Charter_Press_Release_Sept_2014.pdf
Further reading about it: http://www.wcl.org.uk/default.asp
Its part of the continuing pressure from the conservation sector to get on with MCZ designations even if the science is not clear or right yet.
The last I heard, Seahorse Trust had not yet found funding to carry on for more than 'a few more weeks'.
The press release of the 'appeal', timed just at the point at which DEFRA will be beginning to narrow down their list of potential sits for the next tranche of designations, can be found here: http://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/Marine_Charter_Press_Release_Sept_2014.pdf
Further reading about it: http://www.wcl.org.uk/default.asp
Its part of the continuing pressure from the conservation sector to get on with MCZ designations even if the science is not clear or right yet.
The last I heard, Seahorse Trust had not yet found funding to carry on for more than 'a few more weeks'.
bluerm166
Well-Known Member
Until the management measures per site are defined it's a bit like shadow boxing.So far only possible factors are listed by the working parties and the real politics has yet to come.As leisure sailors will we be pleased to support specific protection or will blanket measures,for instance against anchoring, drive us to protest flotillas.
l'escargot
Well-Known Member
As leisure sailors we should be supportive of sensible and necessary conservation measures - country/national parks on land have preserved huge areas for leisure use and there should be no reason why we couldn't have similar benefits on the coast.
It would be as foolish to oppose all conservation measures on principle as it would be to want blanket conservation measures imposed.
It would be as foolish to oppose all conservation measures on principle as it would be to want blanket conservation measures imposed.
Solly
New Member
Certainly some influential NGOs involved.
Seajet
...
I've never met or heard of a boat owner opposed to all conservation measures...
robertj
Well-Known Member
commercially driven, get rid of the anchorages and make us pay as you anchor scheme. Tax Tax Tax for the boaters.
Seajet
...
That was the fond hope for Studland - note, boats still there just controlled and charged - until they did their sums re costs of moorings, maintenance, staff to patrol / check moorings / take money - not to mention the insurance angle - rather obvious one might think but the conservo's still fancied it until reined in; for now...
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Couldnt agree more. Trouble is many conservos want blanket conservation measures as the number one over-riding priority. Because we dont agree, we are painted as being totally anti -conservation.
"Until the management measures per site are defined it's a bit like shadow boxing.So far only possible factors are listed by the working parties and the real politics has yet to come.As leisure sailors will we be pleased to support specific protection or will blanket measures,for instance against anchoring, drive us to protest flotillas"
Thats it in a nutshell. Government is beginning to recognise they got this back to front, and in a recent report want some indication of management measures as part of the T2 recommendations. Until then - nobody knows, and the conservos assume we are against conservation, firstly because we dont welcome MCZs unreservedly where they may affect our activity, and secondly because we question the often unscientific and deeply flawed assumptions about both wildlife, and boating activity.
As per the OP the conservation lobby is trying hard to bully legislation through disregarding many of the real issues. Fortunately DEFRA seem to be taking a more cautious line and recognise that MCZ legislation must be based on reasonably sound evidence. The report is simply the latest in a long line of attempts to get designation and therefore control of large areas of coastal waters. Once designation has occurred it will be much simpler to get local 'precautionary principle' controls put in place without too much public debate or involvement. A senior MMO official advised me that once a formal local order has been created, it will be VERY difficult to get it changed or revoked.
