 web.jpg "Plumose anemones (Credit Paul Naylor)")
Plumose anemones (Credit Paul Naylor)
Delicate filter feeding marine species like these Plumose anemone are found here.
Sea firs, anemones and sponges are just some of the delicate creatures that are found amongst the cobbles here.
Seasonal thermal fronts in the Mid St George’s Channel increase phytoplankton productivity which makes the channel an important area for wildlife.
The seabed is largely sand and gravel creating an environment that allows annelid worms, clams and crustaceans to thrive. Sea firs, anemones and sponges are just some of the delicate creatures that are also found here amongst the cobbles.
All these species form an important part of the biodiversity of the region, encouraging other species to frequent the area which is an important feeding ground for passing whales and dolphins.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at the moment as Defra has indicated that there is not enough evidence to support designation.
We need you to urge Defra to use this data gathered as soon as possible to consider designation of this site in a future tranche:
This site is on hold at the moment. Defra has indicated that although it has enough evidence to support designation of the site for two of the habitats recommended by stakeholders (subtidal coarse sediment and subtidal sand), it requires additional evidence for a further three habitats recommended by stakeholders (moderate energy circalittoral rock, subtidal mixed sediments, and subtidal sands and gravels). If designated, this site would contain the largest protected area of subtidal mixed sediments in non-devolved UK waters.
Defra also commissioned additional survey work for this site in 2012 which has not been taken into account in this consultation.
We need you to urge Defra to use this data as soon as possible to consider designation of this site in a future tranche.
Other nearby MCZs
North St Georges Channel North of Celtic Deep
Location map
Mid St Georges Channel recommended MCZ is located in the map below.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and
contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Mid St George’s Channel.pdf | 248.68 KB |