Consultation on Prohibition of Anchoring in Allonby Bay HPMA.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on a proposed byelaw to prohibit anchoring activity to protect and allow full recovery of all species and habitats and associated ecosystem processes in Allonby Bay HPMA:
Formal consultation on the proposed byelaw will run until 7 April 2025.
Using the best available scientific evidence and advice, the MMO assessed the impacts of marine non-licensable activities (mNLA) and anchoring in Allonby Bay HPMA and concluded that, in order to further the conservation objective of the site, anchoring should be prohibited throughout the HPMA.
The proposed byelaw includes a whole site prohibition of anchoring activity throughout Allonby Bay HPMA. The proposed byelaw also mandates that an anchor must be stowed when in the specified area.
All supporting documentation including the draft byelaw, De-minimis assessment and the Allonby Bay HPMA mNLA assessment can be found on the MMO management of anchoring activity impacts in Allonby Bay HPMA consultation page: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/mmo/allonby-bay-hpma-anchoring-formal-consultation
Questions to consider
When reviewing the consultation documents, please provide any information you feel could be significant to inform the decision on management. The MMO is interested in understanding the following:
1. Do you have information about the level or nature of mNLA (including anchoring activity) within Allonby Bay HPMA?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the proposed management measures? Please provide reasons for or against.
3. How will the proposed management measures affect you? Please provide supporting evidence if possible.
4. What other effects could the proposed management measures have? Please provide supporting evidence if possible.
How to respond
Please respond no later than 7 April 2025. You can submit your response by completing the online survey
You are also invited to attend an online workshop at 1 – 2 pm on 1 April 2025. This workshop will provide an opportunity for those interested to learn more about our assessment of marine non-licensable, recreational and anchoring activities in Allonby Bay HPMA and our proposed management measure to prohibit anchoring throughout the site. To attend this workshop, please register via Eventbrite: Protecting Allonby Bay’s marine environment – Have your say Tickets, Tue 1 Apr 2025 at 13:00 | Eventbrite
For more information and how to respond to the consultation click here
