Please take a few minutes to write a letter...
Dear All, At the end of January the government announced a public consultation on the second round of Marine Conservation Zone designations. Here in Sussex three zones have been short-listed: Utopia <http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ/utopia> : Just South East of Selsey Bill the site has fragile sponge & anthozoan communities and an important tope shark breeding ground. Offshore Overfalls <http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ/offshore-overfalls> : About 10 miles south of Bognor Regis and almost 600 km2 the seabed is a mix of sand and gravel providing hunting/breeding ground for flatfish, skates and rays. Offshore Brighton <http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ/offshore-brighton> : Almost at the median line with France and over 850 km2 the site is relatively undisturbed deep rocky habitats with high species diversity. Thanks to their depth they are less affected by wind & wave action allowing for greater colonisation. It's difficult to get a feel for these sites just from a description and unfortunately it's unlikely that people will visit these sites so the South East Living Seas have put together a series of virtual dives <http://mcz.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/> . You can zoom in on sites and have a look around in a 3D environment. We really need to show the government that the general public support, and care about, marine conservation zones. We are asking everyone and their friends/granny/dog/pet goldfish to fill out a consultation response. So as a Friday distraction to help the weekend come a bit quicker, please, please fill out a response at www.wildlifetrusts.org/savemczs and please, please forward this email and encourage anyone you think might be interested to do the same. There's a short guide on what to write so it won't take five minutes. The last consultation received 40,000 responses and we need to maintain this level of pressure on the government. If you have any question or would like some guidance in responding just let me know. Thank you, Olle Olle Åkesson - Living Seas Officer Mobile: 07717 835 039 Direct line: 01273 497 572 <https://twitter.com/sussexseas> <https://www.facebook.com/seasearchsussex> Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
