Proposed Marine Conservation Zones have been further discussed, to assess the impact they would have on the Island.

Island MP Bob Seely hosted environment minister Therese Coffey, and the pair met with interested organisations, at an event at the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

A 75km square site at Bembridge and a 16km square stretch from Yarmouth to Cowes are part of a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' plan to set up 41 blue belt sites in the third tranche of zones.

Ms Coffey met Mr Seely alongside representatives from Yarmouth and other areas to discuss the zones, and Ms Coffey also had a meeting with Red Funnel.

Mr Seely said: "We need to support the environment but also ensure that the Island's sailing economy continues to prosper.

"It was good of the minister to come over and listen to organisations and people who are concerned about what will happen to their livelihoods if the Marine Conservation Zone from Yarmouth to Cowes is given the go-ahead.

"Many thanks to Sue Hawley, Tim Adams, Tom Symes, Anna Kyle, Malcolm Thorpe and Steve Cowley for attending the meeting."