There are just two months to go for sea users who have an interest in the North Sea to get involved and have their say in the identification and recommendation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).
The deadline for data collection is Sunday 31 October and the Net Gain Project is keen to encourage as many groups and individuals as possible to send in their valuable information by this date.
Maps developed from this data have been and will continue to be vital in ensuring that all interests are taken into account when deciding where MCZs should be located.
Discussions around the size, shape and potential locations of MCZs in the Net Gain area are set to continue in the third round of regional hub meetings, taking place from 11 to 22 October.
So far, more than 500 groups and individuals who have an interest in the future of the English North Sea have submitted their data, with Net Gain continuing to work closely with businesses and organisations who represent many thousands of members to encourage as many people as possible to have their say.
Members of the regional hubs include commercial fishermen, environmentalists, recreational anglers and divers. These members are coming together for the third time to build on the hands-on planning work they have undertaken so far in the project.
Joanna Redhead, project manager of Net Gain said: “We don’t want anyone to miss out on this important opportunity to have their say on decisions which could have an impact on a whole range of waterborne activities. The information that we collect holds the key to the success of our regional hub meetings, where sea users come together to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved. The deadline is fast approaching, but there is still time to make your voice heard.”
Any club, association or individual who wants to contribute information to the project can do so via an online interactive map at www.mczmapping.org or by contacting their local liaison officer on +44 (0)1482 382007.
Following the end of the data collection exercise, the Net Gain regional hubs and Stakeholder Advisory Panel will have six months to complete its deliberations.
Final proposals will be passed to UK government advisors in June 2011. Following that DEFRA will hold a public consultation on the proposed MCZs.
