Highly Protected Areas are a new type of marine designation designed to allow marine life to recover - in short, if it’s in the HPMA it’s protected. This includes the seabed, water column and the sea surface.

By giving special areas the best possible protection, they will benefit nature, people and the climate as all damaging activities, such as fishing, construction, digging and similar activities are banned in HPMAs.

However, marine enthusiasts needn’t worry they are ‘no-go zones’ as they will still be able to enjoy the special places through all non-damaging activities, such as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving and surfing.

In this region, North-East of Farnes Deep, an area offshore in the North Sea has received HPMA status. The area encompasses subtidal sediments important for carbon storage, ocean quahogs, starfish, sea pens, anemones and fish. Dolphins, whales and harbour porpoises use this area and is a fantastic hotspot that deserves protection.

Duncan Hutt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Director of Conservation says:

“After four years of campaigning for Highly Protected Marine Areas, we’re celebrating the first three designated in England. This is an important first step to better protect our seas and understand how nature can recover if given the space to do so.

“However, we need to continue campaigning to properly protect our existing marine protected areas and designate significantly more highly protected areas if we are to reverse decades of decline and safeguard our seas for the future.”

More information about Marine Protected Areas is available at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/marine-protected-areas/highly-protected-marine-areas