A pioneering project is being launched in the South West this spring to breathe new life into the coasts and seas around Cornwall, a region where the sea is central to communities and the economy.

Finding Sanctuary will involve many people in the Falmouth and Helston area as well as others on the coast be it commercially or leisure.

Its aim is to create the very first network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the UK, by balancing the needs of the people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods or leisure activities, with the protection and conservation of marine habitats and sea life. The Devon and Dorset coast is also included.

The foundations of the Finding Sanctuary project have been researched for two years. The 90,000 square kilometres of sea stretching from the coast to the continental shelf, the extended perimeter of each continent, is as yet a blank canvas and the decisions about the location and nature of the MPA network will fall on a Steering Group.

This Group will be made up of representatives from a balance of interests, including the fishing industry, angling, leisure, enforcement and conservation.

Finding Sanctuary's involvement will extend only as far as facilitating the decision-making process and communicating recommendations back to Government - it will not at any stage have the power or authority to implement MPAs.

Tom Hooper, project manager said: "The success of Finding Sanctuary rests on the input, understanding and commitment of everyone who has an interest in the coasts and seas in the South West - especially fishermen, anglers, divers and conservationists but also residents and tourists who enjoy the lifestyle the South West coastline brings. The pivotal role of Finding Sanctuary is to ensure that sites are well planned to provide better protection for a diverse number of species, and are suited, and preferably advantageous, to the needs of those that use the seas."

There has been increasing concern over the use of the sea by people and the impact that has had on plants and animals.

It is hoped that Finding Sanctuary will lead the way in the UK by planning sites over a large regional scale and long term allow the sea to recover for future generations.

Currently there is a five-year plan during which it will work with interest groups to identify the sites that can bring the greatest possible benefits for conservation, resources and livelihoods and have the broadest possible support from the people who live or work in the region.

Fisherman, divers, anglers, conservationists and tourism bodies in the county will be approached and after a wealth of information is obtained it will be examined by the steering group.

More information about this project click onto the link below.