What about a reef off Swanage?

Environment Agency backs 'Wreck to Reef' project
The Environment Agency (EA) has supported the first phase of a scheme to
obtain permission to sink a ship that can be used as an artificial reef for
divers at Ringstead. ‘The lack of premiere diving venues in the South West
was a key finding of the recent Enjoying Water strategy, led by the EA.
They are keen to encourage more people to use the coast and inland water
for recreation in a sustainable manner.  The first phase of the Wreck to
Reef will concentrate on commissioning independent experts to produce a
series of surveys necessary to progress the project in a sustainable way.
The EA has contributed £8,000 towards a marine survey of the proposed site,
an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of sinking a vessel and a
comprehensive business plan.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/115206.aspx?month=1&year=2010&coverage=South+West

Special Areas

4. Lyme Regis: Fishermen in talks over proposed Special Conservation Areas
off Dorset coast
A public meeting in Lyme Regis held by Natural England (NE) about its plans
to designate areas in Lyme Bay as a Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) to
protect rare habitats and species took place.
Bridport News reported (28 Jan 10) that some fishermen boycotted the
meeting as they believed the decision had already been made. However,
Louisa Knights of NE emphasised that “It’s not a done deal” and that the
aim of the meeting was to encourage people to feed into the SAC
consultation. The full article can be found at:
http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/lymenews/4877220.Lyme_Regis__Fishermen_in_talks_over_conservation_areas_off_Dorset_coast/
There is still time to feed into this consultation with more information
at:
http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/ourwork/marine/sacconsultation/default.aspx

Finding Sanctuary announces countdown for south-west sea users
Finding Sanctuary have announced that there are now just five months left
for sea users to come forward and share their information and observations
about the areas of sea they use in the south-west with the Finding
Sanctuary project. In doing so people are helping to ensure that commercial
and leisure interests can be taken into account in the planning of new
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). So far over 700 sea anglers, 300 divers
and 40 sailing and yacht clubs have shared their views and data with the
project, but there are many more sea users in the region who have yet to
get in touch. Finding Sanctuary is particularly keen to hear from charter
boat operators, kayakers, jetskiiers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and surfers
as these groups are currently underrepresented.
You can get involved by:
- Visiting the interactive map and sharing your knowledge
- Attending an drop-in day – details on our website
- Contacting your Dorset liaison officer John Weinberg on 07788 675 294