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Marine Protected Areas in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is truly a leader in nature conservation. With dozens of different types of conservation designations, the UK works hard to preserve and enhance species and habitats of local, national, and international importance. The Government committed to the establishment of a sound network of MPAs by 2012. This network will include six different types of designation, although other designations currently exist which affect this new network. Current designations include:

European Marine Sites: Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)*;
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)/Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs);
Marine Components of Ramsar sites;
Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs)

Map from Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Together these sites form the Natura 2000 network, committed to protecting nationally and internationally important habitats and species. As of July 2014, together these protect 16% of UK waters are protected. Still to be added as protected areas are Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and country-specific designations for Scotland and Northern Ireland. These governments are working on legislation to allow for more marine areas to be designated for protection. Marine Conservation Zones are a new type of protection, created in 2009. They will include inshore and offshore waters of England, and offshore waters of Wales. Inshore waters of Wales are not included because they are, for the most part, already protected under other designations.

In addition, the UK has many other types of designations which mostly protect areas of land; however, these often include estuaries and other features which affect the coastline and marine waters. Around 4% of all UK waters are currently protected. This equates to roughly 4.1 million hectares. This includes 3 no take zones, one on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, one at Flamborough Head, and one around Lundy in Devon, England. There are many areas which are closed to fishing activity, some on a seasonal basis, and others permanently. For areas that are not closed, the government still has regulations: permission must be granted, licenses obtained, and proper authorities notified prior to any fishing activity.

During January 30 to April 24, 2015 a consultation on the second tranche of Marine Conservation Zones, involving the public, took place. Twenty-three proposed Marine Conservation Zones were considered as potential candidates for consultation in 2015. Results are expected 29th of January, 2016.

*The European Marine Sites contain two designations, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which are established under the European Commission Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) which are established under the European Commission Birds Directive.

Explore the proposed marine protected areas in Scottish waters here.

Sources: UK MPA Centre, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Natural England, Save Scottish Seas

1638 MPAs:

161 Marine Managed Areas: