Our Marine Protected Area Network

What is a network of Marine Protected Areas?

The UK has signed up to international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the OSPAR Convention, that aim to establish an 'ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)' by 2012 which is well-managed by 2016. The sites in the network will work together to provide more benefits than an individual area could on its own. MPAs established under international, European and national legislation will all contribute to an ecologically coherent network of MPAs.

One network, six designations

Our Marine Protected Area network will include:

Natura 2000 Sites

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) established under the EC Habitats and Birds Directives respectively to protect marine habitats and species of European importance.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

SSSIs are established under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 to protect species, habitats and geological features of national importance.

Ramsar Sites

Ramsar sites are established under the 1971 Convention of Wetlands of International Importance to promote the conservation and wise-use of wetlands of international importance and their resources.

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)

MCZs are a new type of MPA designation that will be introduced over the next few years through the Marine and Coastal Access Act. They will protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology. In English inshore waters and English, Welsh and Northern Irish offshore waters they have been identified by the Marine Conservation Zone Project. In Welsh inshore waters the Marine Conservation Zone Project Wales will designate a small number of highly protected MCZs.

Scottish Marine Protected Areas

Scottish MPAs will be established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act and Marine (Scotland) Act for offshore and inshore sites respectively. They have been identified for the protection of nationally important marine biodiversity and geodiversity features.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will be introducing a Northern Ireland Marine Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011 to come into force in due course. This will outline proposals for nature conservation in Northern Ireland's territorial waters which may include plans for MPAs.