PEOPLE with an interest in the sea are being invited to give their views on whether 23 sites in English waters should become Marine Conservation Zones.

The 23 sites proposed will cover 10,810 square kilometres of water, protecting important seabed habitats and species, which will add to the current network of Marine Protected Areas, giving further protection to vulnerable species and habitats.

The evidence collected will help ensure sites with important wildlife, plants or geological features are looked after, whilst ensuring long-term economic security for coastal businesses and communities.

One of the recommended zones is Runswick Bay, covering a 68 km² area, where rocks near the shore are home to mussels, limpets and barnacles. Further out are crab, lobster, herring, sprat, cod, whiting and plaice. Ocean quahog also live in the bay, entirely buried in the sand with a small tube extending to the surface for breathing and feeding.

The consultation by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs is the second tranche of sites. The first saw 27 sites, totalling 9,664 km2, designated as Marine Conservation Zones in November 2013. .

To take part in the consultation visit https://consult.defra.gov.uk/marine/tranche2mczs