Finding Sanctuary, works together with Local Groups in Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. These groups were established by Finding Sanctuary working with maritime forums, groups and local government. Cornwall already had a Marine Protected Area Group which took on the role of Local Group.
Although the Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) recommendations will be made at the regional level by the Steering Group, local suggestions and knowledge, together with ongoing feedback is essential to ensure MCZs are well planned and therefore have stronger support from local communities.
The work conducted by the local groups over the last few years has played a crucial role in the development of the network to be recommended later this year. As we near the end of the Finding Sanctuary project this role has been concluded.
