This report provides a summary of Natural England’s confirmed pre-consultation MCZ advice for each Regional Project recommended MCZ and new site option which is a candidate for consultation in Tranche 3. This advice was provided to Defra in February 2017.
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).