Marine Conservation Zones: Opportunity to discuss candidate sites for the second tranche

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), contribute to delivering an ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas to achieve the Government's vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.

In November 2013 Defra expanded the Marine Protected Areas network through the designation of the first tranche of MCZs. 27 MCZs were designated which offer protection to the nationally representative and nationally rare and threatened habitats and species within our seas.

37 candidate sites have now been identified for the second tranche of MCZs. These have been identified primarily on the basis of their potential to fill the bigger ecological gaps in the network. Final decisions on which sites to propose for designation will be made later this year and be followed by a formal public consultation expected to take place in early 2015.

Defra have organised two meetings to discuss MCZ proposals in the Kent & Essex District. These meetings are an opportunity for you to understand the process for selecting the MCZ Tranche 2 proposals and next steps before the public consultation. It also provides an opportunity for you to help Defra verify information on activities within the site, and understand any potential site issues or concerns you may have.

The sites in question are Swale Estuary and Dover to Deal, Dover to Folkestone

Swale Estuary - 10^th June 2014 at The Horsebridge Centre, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AF from 13:30

Time slots are available to discuss the candidate site individually. If you wish to book a time slot please contact Sophie Pickup at Sophie.pickup@defra.gsi.gov.uk or call 0207 238 6428.

Alternatively please attend a presentation which will be given at; 14:00, 15:30 and 17:00, after each there will be a limited time when officials will be able to discuss the sites.

Dover to Deal and Dover to Folkestone - 12^th June 2014 at The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Dover Waterfront, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, Kent. CT17 9BP from 14:00.

Time slots are available to discuss the candidate site individually. If you wish to book a time slot please contact Sophie Pickup at Sophie.pickup@defra.gsi.gov.uk or call 0207 238 6428.

Alternatively please attend a presentation which will be given at; 14:30, 16:00 and 17:00, after each there will be a limited time when officials will be able to discuss the sites.