LOCAL people such as fishermen, sea anglers and divers, who use and enjoy the sea, are being invited to help plan Marine Conservation Zones off the coast of Cornwall.

Marine Conservation Zones are new protected areas being introduced under the forthcoming Marine and Coastal Access Bill.

Their purpose is to safeguard the region's undersea habitats and wildlife, and to help ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources in the region. The invitation to join comes from Finding Sanctuary and Cornwall Council.

The Cornwall MPA Group was established by the County Council two years ago to bring local people with an interest in the sea together so they could discuss ideas for marine protected areas of Cornwall.

Together with groups from Somerset, Devon and Dorset, the Cornwall MPA Group will provide advice and feedback to the regional Finding Sanctuary Steering Group, which is made up of 39 representatives of marine stakeholders in the South West.

Tom Hooper, Finding Sanctuary's project manager, says recommendations on where MCZs should be sited will be taken at regional level by the Finding Sanctuary Steering Group.

"But we need to have local suggestions and knowledge, together with ongoing feedback, to ensure MCZs are well planned and therefore have strong support from local communities – that's where the Cornwall MPA Group comes in."

Isles of Scilly residents are also being asked to input into the planning of Marine Conservation Zones.

Samantha Davis, the Cornwall MPA Group's secretariat, said they are hoping to receive applications from people who feel their interests are not already represented: "We are looking for people who are not afraid to share their opinions and enjoy entering into lively discussions and debates."

Applications for the Cornwall MPA Group should be sent to Samantha Davis by July 24.

For more information send an e-mail to sdavis.seafisheries@cornwall.gov.uk