A public consultation is currently being run by Defra until 31st March 2013, providing stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposals for the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English inshore and English and Welsh Offshore waters. JNCC and Natural England, who together established the MCZ project in 2008, have provided advice on recommended MCZs to the Government for the consultation. The consultation seeks to engage with everyone who has an interest in the marine and coastal environment and all stakeholders are encouraged to use this opportunity to make their views heard. Defra state that comments submitted will be used to inform the decision on which sites will be designated in the first tranche in 2013.
More information on the consultation process can be found here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/12/13/marine-conservation-zones-1212/
