DATELINE: 30 July 2002

LUNDY PROPOSED AS FIRST UK 'NO TAKE' ZONE
The island of Lundy - a marine park and popular dive site may become the UK's first legally enforced 'no take' zone in a bid to protect fish stocks and encourage marine wildlife.
Government agency English Nature have succeeded in getting a proposal passed by the Sea Fisheries Committee which will ban all fishing and taking of scallops, crabs and lobsters within a 3.5 km square area on the East side of the island. The proposal is likely to take 18 months to become law, but already has the support of local fishermen and divers.
"This type of 'no take' zone has been shown to work very successfully in New Zealand, Canada and Australia." English Nature spokesman Chris Davis told Divernet "It gives the fish stocks a chance to recover and then move out to repopulate the surrounding areas. It also protects the marine life in the area. It's a win-win situation for all parties concerned."
English Nature and marine wildlife specialist Paul Kay have published the Scuba Diver's Guide to Lundy Marine Natural Reserve for £5 and all proceeds go towards maintaining the marine park. Available through English Nature on Tel 01733 455 181

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