Protecting Wildlife for the Future

Recommended MCZContains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and

contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012

Fact fileThis recommended MCZ includes the Pisces Reef Complex; a potential European Special Area of Conservation (SAC), proposed due to the uniqueness of its habitats and the diversity of its creatures. The Pisces Reef Complex is a series of protruding rocky mounds rising from 15-35 m from the seabed of the Irish Sea.

The reefs create a solid habitat with nooks and crannies that allow many species to live within its shelter. Lampshells, sea squirts, sea mats, fern-like hydroids and fish all take advantage of this. The reefs are also a resting and feeding place for wider-ranging species of fish and marine mammals. Within the rocky mounds lies a plateau of mud and sediment; a sheltered area for Dublin Bay prawns, brittle stars and other species to settle in relative safety.

Support this MCZ today!

Location

Brittlestar bed, Polly Whyte / earthinfocus

wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ/slieve-na-griddle

Slieve Na Griddle (Sliabh na Gridille) Recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)

Protecting Wildlife for the Future

The Wildlife TrustsThe Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT

Tel: 01636 677711 Fax: 01637 670001

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Help us secure a network of Marine Protected AreasThe UK’s seas have the potential to be some of the most wildlife-rich on Earth; but only if we act now to secure their protection.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are regions of the sea where damaging activities are prohibited or controlled. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are a type of MPA in England, which alongside other national and European designations, should form a network of sites.

In order to secure adequate protection of our seas we need a full network of well-managed MPAs. Stakeholder groups recommended a network of MCZs to Government in 2011, which would protect examples of the whole range of species and habitats found in our seas. We are still a long way from achieving this full network. Only 27 MCZs have been designated so far, and the Government needs to see strong public support for this site, which is one of 37 they are currently considering, to ensure it reaches designation.

Please support our campaign to secure a future for our seas.l Find out about your local MCZs and how you can support designation

of additional sites at wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ & wildlifetrusts.org/MCZfriends

Recommended Marine Conservation Zones

“We are in the midst of the most crucial period in history for the UK’s marine life. We have the opportunity to turn an environment filled with ravaged habitats, depleted fish stocks and struggling species into Living Seas – pulsating with life, supporting livelihoods, continuing to be a source of joy and wonder to us all.”

Simon King OBE, President The Wildlife Trusts

Recommended MCZ

Slieve Na Griddle57.79km2

Recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)