Natura 2000
Mar 24th, 2009 | By ssacn | Category: EU Government News, Government, UK Government NewsSteps will be taken this week to designate the first UK offshore Natura 2000 sites (beyond 12 Nm) if proposals for the marine protected areas (MPAs) are formally approved by the EC. This means areas such as the Darwin Mounds and Braemar and Scanner Pockmarks will gain protection from damaging human activities.
But no matter how you look at it, the areas involved and the level of protection being achieved is truly insignificant and insufficient; in no way will it make a major difference in protecting our seas and the rich biodiversity they support.
The UK and Scottish governments need to fulfil their duty of care and create a network of MPAs, especially when one remembers that the creation of such by 2012. is an international commitment under the OSPAR Convention, otherwise many marine species and habitats will remain at risk through destructive methods of commercial exploitation.
It is worth remembering that on land, around 20% of the EU is protected, but at sea, less than 1% is, but as always, out of sight – out of mind results in indifference and this combined with a lack of ability to address long term issues will result in the usual political fudge.
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