ASSURANCE has been sought by a Dorset MP that work is continuing to achieve a full network of marine protected areas by 2016.

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, asked the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, what representation had been received regarding the marine charter and marine protection.

She highlighted the upcoming fifth anniversary of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and mentioned how pleased she was that Dorset was included in the original 27 marine conservation zones.

Mr Eustice explained that 37 candidate sites had already been identified for the second tranche of marine conservation zones.

“We intend to publish a consultation on the second tranche in the New Year,” he said.

“It is our intention to have a third tranche in 2016, so the work to take forward additional marine conservation zones is well under way.”