WIREDGOV

Natural England, the Government's wildlife and landscape advisor, has called for the creation of new Marine Protected Areas, and wants the Government to give it the power to identify, designate and manage these sites and have the ability to prosecute those who damage them.

Natural England's Chair Sir Martin Doughty, said: "As a nation we have let ourselves down with a system that has created only one Marine Nature Reserve in England in over 25 years. This is unacceptable; experience from other countries shows Marine Conservation Zones will help our seas recover from damage and adapt to climate change.

"Our rare, beautiful and dramatic wildlife does not stop at the coast. Hidden beneath the surface it is all too easy to forget the immense biodiversity of our seas and ignore the intensive, long-term harm it has suffered. We need to care for it as much as we do the environment on land with areas that have complete protection, some that are used sensitively and some that can be fully exploited.

"We are keen to start working with communities and industry to identify the important areas for us to notify and protect as soon as possible. If we get the responsibility and powers we are calling for we pledge to have the first Marine Conservation Zones within three years and want a fully representative network in place in England's inshore waters by 2012."

Following endorsement from its Board yesterday, Natural England will bid for the powers and responsibility to create a suite of Marine Protected Areas in English inshore waters in response to the Government's consultation on the Marine Bill.

Notes for editors:

• Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.
• Natural England's Board paper (pdf) responding to Defra's Marine Bill consultation is available
• Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) is a UK designation officially made by the Government. MNRs are created by statute (under section 36 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) to conserve marine flora and fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest, while providing opportunities for study and research. MNRs include both the sea and the seabed and can be protected by bylaws.

For further information contact the National Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@ naturalengland.org.uk