By a County Press reporter
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
ANGLERS, commercial fishermen and harbour masters are due to meet DEFRA minister, Richard Benyon, on Monday to discuss plans to introduce Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) around the Isle of Wight.
While on the Island, Mr Benyon will also attend a public meeting at the Riverside Centre at 12 noon, when people will have the opportunity to quiz the minister on the controversial plans, introduced in the 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act.
MCZs differ from existing conservation areas, concentrating on areas of shore and seabed which are in danger from outside influences such as dredging, trawling, anchoring and diving.
Although no areas around the Isle of Wight are due to be made MCZs this year, several sites could still be designated in the future.
Andrew Turner, who invited the minister to the Isle of Wight, said he had received correspondence both in favour and against their introduction locally.
He said: "Conservation is important but there are also significant implications for the economy of the Island, as some activities such as sailing and fishing would be restricted.
"I am far from convinced the full economic impact on areas like the Island has been properly considered."