Isles of Scilly: Explore and protect your marine environment

We're inviting locals and visitors to tell us more about the recreational activities you enjoy or observe around the Isles of Scilly.

This will support our work to protect the marine environment and ecosystems in the Isles of Scilly marine protected areas (MPAs).

MMO will give an introduction into our work area on managing marine recreational activities, and we would like to engage with marine users to build our knowledge about the activities that are occurring in the area.

Find out more about MMO's work in relation to marine non-licensable activities.

Event details:

The workshop will be held in the Old Wesleyan Chapel, Garrison Lane, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 0JD.

We invite interested residents and visitors of the Isles of Scilly to share insights into what and where activities such as; boating, paddlesports, swimming and surfing. We will not be discussing fishing management or fishing activities during the workshop.

This will support our understanding assessment of these activities and inform the future protection of the important marine habitats and species found around the Isles of Scilly.

Light refreshments will be provided, and the event will be facilitated to make sure that there is an opportunity for all participants to contribute in a comfortable and open way.

Your role matters:

By sharing how you use and value your coastline, you will help us to highlight the social and cultural importance of the area, ensuring these are reflected in future decisions and initiatives.

Why are we holding this event:

MMO's Marine Conservation Team wants to balance the diverse values associated with this area with the need to protect the marine environment. Your local knowledge and views are essential part of this process.

The importance of the Isles of Scilly's MPAs

We will be looking at the following MPAs:

• Isles of Scilly Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC);
• Hanjague to Deep Ledge Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ);
• Men a Vaur to White Island MCZ; and
• Peninnis to Dry Ledge MCZ.

The designated sites around the Isles of Scilly encompass a rich mosaic of marine habitats, including:

• Seagrass beds (Zostera marina), which serve as nursery grounds for fish and support species such as seahorses.
• Intertidal and subtidal rocky habitats, hosting fragile sponge and anthozoan communities.
• Sediment veneer reefs, which are sensitive to disturbance and support diverse benthic communities.
• Species of conservation concern, such as the stalked jellyfish.
• Significant population of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus).

The designated areas around the Isles of Scilly form part of the UK’s contribution to the international network of MPAs, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services vital to both nature and local livelihoods.