This report contains Natural England’s full post-consultation advice to Defra on the third tranche of Marine Conservation Zones being considered for designation in 2019.
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are an important tool in England’s protection of the marine environment and support the Government’s obligations under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Defra will take decisions regarding MCZs based on sound evidence and Natural England’s evidence-based, scientific advice will be used to support these decisions. This will help to ensure that the Government can create an ecologically coherent network of well-managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).