Why ValMER in the Biosphere Reserve?

Total area 3850 km2 (including sea)

Population: C. 150,000

Why are we here

• To maximise the opportunity for the marine area (and its users) of North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Biodiversity– Productivity– Functioning– Value for the area

The Context• Marine Spatial Planning• Marine Ecological Network• Common Fisheries Policy reform• Local Measures• FLAG• 2nd Round MCZs• Myths and truths about exploitation of the sea

History of collaboration• Biosphere Reserve sponsored the NDFA leaflet on the

ray box• NDFA/Biosphere Reserve collaboration in the RFS in

2009• NDFA/Biosphere Reserve collaboration on Marine Litter

2008/9• Biosphere Reserve supported MSC pre-assessment of

fishery• Collaboration for MCZ proposals• TTEF and the Estuary Management Plan• Shoreline Management Planning and research

Local Fishermens Initiatives

Biosphere Reserve original areas of interest for MCZ

Finding Sanctuary proposals

Why the seabed as a study?

• It’s a mystery to most of the community

Total area 3850 km2 (including sea)

Population: C. 150,000

Thanks to MBA, Keith Hiscock and Museum of Wales

Why the seabed as a study?

• It’s a mystery to most of the community• The goods and services provided are not well

understood.• “What did nature ever do for us?”• Trade-offs

End product?

BEST OF ALL WORLDS