Establishing marine Special Protection Areas (TIN120)

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are classified under the EC Birds Directive to protect rare, vulnerable and migratory birds. The suite of SPAs on land in England is well established, but further work is needed to complete a network at sea. The UK government has committed to identifying a network of SPAs in the marine environment by 2015. This information note has been written for stakeholders to explain the processes and responsibilities for establishing marine SPAs.