Blackwater, Crouch, Roach and Colne Estuaries MCZDover to Deal MCZDover to Folkestone MCZFolkestone Pomerania MCZForeland MCZGoodwin Sands MCZInner Bank MCZMedway Estuary MCZSwanscombe MCZThanet Coast MCZThe Swale Estuary MCZ

Marine Conservation Zones

What are Marine Conservation Zones?

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are a relatively new MPA designation, created under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). These sites are created to protect wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology of national importance. They aim to conserve the diversity of nationally rare, threatened and representative habitats and species around the English coast. MCZs also contribute to a network of MPAs across the North-east Atlantic agreed under the Oslo Paris (OSPAR) Convention and other international commitments to which the UK is signatory. To find out more about MCZ features click here