Gove announces further steps to shield marine environment

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has announced further steps in protecting England’s marine environment following the government’s expansion last week of existing network of Marine Conservation Zones.

Gove unveiled a review to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, known as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced.

HPMA’s are closed off from any human activity with the potential to cause harm.

The six-month review, led by Richard Benyon MP, will look for an evidence base for selecting Highly Protected Marine Areas and, if supported by the evidence, recommend potential locations for pilot sites.