Environmental disaster could be on the cards

The North West Wildlife Trusts are deeply concerned that the Government is failing to protect and recover some of the Irish Sea’s most at-risk wildlife and habitats.

Two years ago the Government’s scientific advisors concluded that some of these areas are extremely sensitive and subject to a high level of damaging fishing activity.

They warned that the areas are likely to be in poor condition and at high risk of remaining in a damaged or deteriorated condition if no action is taken to protect them.

The North West Wildlife Trusts’ Marine Conservation Officer, Dr Emily Baxter, said: “By deciding that these areas need further consideration the Government is leaving the Irish Sea open to an environmental disaster.

“Decision-makers need to think of sustainable fisheries as an opportunity for job creation and increasing the value of fisheries.”