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Lyme Bay's world-renowned coral reefs are to be protected from damaging scallop-dredging, thanks to the introduction of a 60 square mile exclusion zone.

The Government announced the decision on 19 June 2008, following a period of public consultation.

The news has been welcomed by the Devon Wildlife Trust, which led the campaign for the exclusion zone.

However, local scallopers say their industry will be devastated.

Lyme Bay is home to around 300 recorded species of plants and animals, including dense populations of the nationally protected pink seafan and the extremely rare sunset coral.

The reefs will be monitored (Mike Markey)

As well as a haven for sponges, starfish and coral, the reefs also support a range of seafood animals, including crab, lobster and scallops.

Devon Wildlife Trust director Paul Gompertz said: "It finally acknowledges that our seas need vital life-support systems like Lyme Bay reefs.

"It's taken 18 years, hundreds of thousands of fundraised pounds, the energy and dedication of many people - and a host of setbacks and heartache along the way.

"But it has all been worth it, to see a new day dawn for the future of marine conservation in this country.

"The Government is to be congratulated on a bold step. Now we need to see the exclusions enforced."

The Government's environment department, Defra, announced that about 10% of Lyme Bay from West Bay to Beer Head will be permanently closed to scallop dredgers and bottom trawlers which drag nets along the seabed, to safeguard the area's rich marine life and habitats.

The reefs are world-renowned (Photo Mile Markey)

Fishing using nets nearer the surface or static nets and lines will still be allowed, as will diving for scallops, scuba diving and sea angling.

Jim Portus from the South West Fish Producer Organisation said: "I'm devastated, it will mean a 拢3m annual loss for the local economy. It's not a happy day for inshore fishing."

But Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "Lyme Bay is one of Britain's richest marine environments, and the measures we have announced will protect the reefs and the wildlife that depends on them from the most damaging fishing methods.听听

"The environmental benefits will be huge, and species under threat will be able to recover and thrive."

Defra says that the recovery of species and habitats in the closed area will be monitored closely, together with social and economic impacts.

In 2006, Defra introduced a voluntary ban on scallop dredging in parts of Lyme Bay - an area covering 12 square miles in total. However, conservationists argued that wasn't enough as it was allowing severe damage to be caused to important reefs.

As part of its campaign, the Devon Wildlife Trust released film of the damage caused to the reef.

In 2007, Defra announced a period of public consultation with three options for the reefs. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents responded in favour of the 60 square mile exclusion zone.