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Marine Conservation Zones

Proposals for Marine Conservation Zones in Welsh waters are making waves with coastal communities. Critics fear marine reserves on their shores would destroy fishing and tourist industries. But ministers say the zones are necessary to protect wildlife and the plans are only at an early stage. Eye on Wales travels to the Llyn Peninsula - where opposition to the plans is fiercest - to find out more.

Last updated: 17 June 2012

Weather permitting, most days Sion Williams launches his 20-feet catamaran the William Stanley from the rocky cove of Porth Colmon on the northern side of the Llyn Peninsula and goes in search of his fishing pots.

Sion is the third generation of his family to fish for lobsters and crabs in the traditional way. But he's worried he could be the last.

He's concerned for his future as half the waters he fishes lie within one of ten possible sites around Wales which could become Highly Protected Marine Conservation Zones.

They would be "no take zones" - in other words no fishing - and Sion Williams says it would completely destroy his livelihood.

"They would be like marine nature parks, you wouldn't be able to fish. All the fishermen here are furious about it."

"They can't believe their own government have put this silly consultation forward. Any of these areas on the Llyn would be devastating for the fishing industry."

But it's not just fishermen who are concerned about the possible impact of Marine Conservation Zones.

Claire Russell Griffiths is a community councillor on the Llyn Peninsula who is worried about the impact on the wider economy if any of the four potential sites identified in local waters are given the go-ahead.

"We've got the Glass Butter Beach festival at Llanbedrog that could have to change its plans; not to be able to have regattas in Abersoch as we do now would have a devastating effect."

"I believe it will have a vast impact. You might as well put a "Closed for Business" sign on North Wales."

The Welsh Government says that up to four zones with special protection will give sea plants, fish and shellfish chance to thrive undisturbed by human beings.

It says the zones will be spread around the coast of Wales, and there's only likely to be one near the Llyn Peninsula.

The Minister, John Griffiths, says jobs and livelihoods shouldn't suffer.

"This is not about putting any fisherman out of business, it's about recognising the environmental imperatives that we face and balancing those with socio-economic interests."

"If we can effective engagement with those most likely to be affected by these changes, then hopefully we will get the eventual balance right."

The government also stresses that this is only the first stage in listening to people's views. But opponents on the Llyn Peninsula have already begun planning a legal challenge if the proposals go ahead.


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