Final 24 hours to help protect north Devon's marine wildlife

The Government's public consultation on creating more protected areas for marine wildlife - including two sites off the north Devon coast - closes on Friday evening (24th April). That means there is still time for anyone who wants to see a thriving marine environment in the south west to add their support for creating new Marine Conservation Zones. Twenty three potential Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) have been included in the Government's current public consultation. Bideford to Foreland Point is one: this stunning section of coast, stretching from the mouth of the Taw estuary all the way into Exmoor National Park, is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year. The marine animals living off this coast include the harbour porpoises and dolphins regularly spotted off Morte Point and Baggy Point, along with the array of colourful anemones and starfish seen in the rockpools of Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. 

Richard White, Devon Wildlife Trust's Senior Marine Conservation Officer, said: "The two new proposed MCZs at Bideford to Foreland Point and Hartland Point to Tintagel are home to a stunning variety of marine life. Their collections of corals and sponges form a beautiful backdrop to shoals of colourful fish. All will benefit from the protection provided by becoming Marine Conservation Zones." Public support for the creation of protected areas for marine wildlife played a significant part in the first designation of MCZs in 2013. That's why Devon Wildlife Trust is encouraging people who love the beach, the sea and the wildlife they support to take part in the final day of the Government consultation. 

Richard White commented: "Devon Wildlife Trust urges anyone who cares about the future of the South West's marine life to back these MCZs and take part in the government's consultation process. Responding takes 5 minutes online - but it's five minutes that could make a real difference for our precious marine life." 

Responses to the consultation on Marine Conservation Zones can be made until Friday evening on the Defra website at www.gov.uk or The Wildlife Trusts' website at www.wildlifetrusts.org/mcz

 Photo Beadlet Anemone copyright Paul Naylor (All rights reserved)

 Photo Harbour Porpoise copyright Colin Speedie (All rights reserved)