MP in talks with conservationists over protecting marine wildlife

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will meet York Labour MP Hugh Bayley today to discuss the rate of progress on proposed marine conservation zones, designed to improve the protection of the marine environment.

The Government said last month that public consultation on the 127 sites would be conducted towards the end of next year, with the first conservation zones designated in 2013 – a year later than the deadline set in legislation by the previous Labour administration.

The trust will add Mr Bayley’s signature to its Petition Fish campaign today and is urging the public to back it.

Trust chief executive Rob Stoneman said: “With over 95 per cent of the North Sea’s biomass removed, now more than ever is the time to act to protect our marine wildlife. We are delighted today to receive Hugh Bayley’s support towards our petition fish campaign and urge others to follow his lead and sign up to support marine protected areas and the future of our marine wildlife.”

Mr Bayley added: “I am looking forward to hearing about Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s marine work and will be listening to their concerns. I will be adding my name to the Petition Fish campaign and pressing the coalition Government to honour its commitment.”

The North Sea sites include Holderness Inshore and Lincs Belt on either side of the mouth of the River Humber, Holderness Offshore further off the Humber, and Castle Ground, between Scarborough and Filey Brigg.