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Advice from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Natural England with regard to fisheries impacts on Marine Conservation Zone habitat features 2011

Abstract

In fulfilling our obligations under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to support the Regional Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) projects, Natural England and JNCC have produced this package of advice on the impacts of fishing activities on broad-scale habitats and habitat Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI). This document also highlights the possible high-level management options that are available to address impacts (where they occur) and the compatibility of these options with the conservation objective of the feature.

Whilst we have endeavoured to make these assessments as evidence-based and fit for purpose as possible, due to the high degree of variability within some habitat categories, the large numbers of fishing gears under consideration and local variation in fishing practices, it is inevitable that the advice is somewhat generalised. It does, however, provide a scientifically-robust starting point for discussions about the specific management requirements of features. For individual MCZs the advice should be used alongside site specific information, local knowledge (including that from fishermen) and with the support from the relevant statutory conservation adviser.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Oceans

Reference date 2011··

Lineage
Produced by Natural England and JNCC to fulfil their obligations under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to provide advice and guidance to stakeholders and public authorities on the impacts of fishing activities on Marine Conservation Zones

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC distributor

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2020·04·08

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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