Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a blanket term which covers areas of sea and coast where species and habitats are protected from damage and disturbance. There are a number of different types of MPA, which result from different pieces of legislation, but all share the same basic aims. The UK has committed to establishing an ecologically coherent network of MPAs in our seas.

Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ): These protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife and different habitats and seabed features. MCZs are created under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

There are nine Marine Conservation Zones in the Cornwall IFCA district. You can find out more about each one by clicking on the link below or by using the interactive map.

Marine Conservation Zones

European Marine Sites (EMS): These describe Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which are designated under the EU Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) which are designated under the EU Birds directive and form part of the European-wide Natura 2000 network of internationally important sites.

There are six Special Areas of Conservation (including candidate sites) and two Special Protection Areas within the Cornwall IFCA district. You can find out more about each one by clicking on the link below or by using the interactive map.

Special Areas of Conservation

Special Protection Areas