Marine Conservation Zones – we meet the Minister 

The RYA and a number of Isle of Wight club members met George Eustice Defra Minister and Andrew Turner IOW MP on 24th November in Ryde IOW.

The meeting was to discuss concerns about the current Government plans, under which up to four Isle of Wight sites may be designated as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).  

Concerns have been raised about the quality of scientific evidence and the growing disparity between environmental and socio-economic data.   The RYA reiterated the need for some indication of potential management measures early on in the process of designation. Without this information, it is not possible to assess the potential impact of the proposed sites on recreational boating activities. 

Each of the IOW clubs presented their specific concerns about the possible impact on their sailing areas.  The impact of significant restrictions on boating activities could harm the fragile IOW local economy that is heavily dependent on the income generated by visiting leisure boaters. 

Proposed sites of particular concern are The Needles, Bembridge, Norris to Ryde, and Yarmouth to Cowes.

After the meeting with leisure boating and other local stakeholders, the Minister said he understood the need for a clear idea of what designation actually means before sites can be supported.  The Minister said the situation would become clearer when the shortlist of sites is announced next year. 

The RYA is broadly supportive of the Government's aspiration for 'clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas'. At the same time however, it is working to minimise the potential impact of MCZs on the navigational rights and safety of recreational boaters.