THE WILDLIFE on Skomer is set to receive extra protection from the Welsh Government. Natural Resources Minister, Carl Sargeant AM, announced last week that Skomer Island is set to become Wales’ First Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The Natural Resources Minister announced the waters around the island – currently known as the Marine Nature Reserve will be reclassified as Skomer Marine Conservation Zone.
Welcoming the news, Mrs Evans said: “Having visited Skomer Island to see the work being done to protect the wildlife both on the island and in its waters, today’s news is very welcome. The Pembrokeshire coast is home to some of the finest scenery and most amazing wildlife. This new Marine Conservation Zone will bring welcome protection and enable us to build further Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a premier tourist attraction and custodian of some of Wales’ finest habitats.”
Making the announcement today Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said: “Skomer has long been recognised as an important area in marine conservation having first being designated as a marine nature reserve in 1990. There are many challenges facing the marine environment so I am pleased that the marine area around Skomer will continue to be safeguarded. He added: “We are working with Natural Resources Wales and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to undertake an assessment of the existing 128 marine protected areas in Welsh waters.The change comes as provisions under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 come into force in Wales. More sites across Wales are also being assessed.”
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