PROTECTION is being increased for a number of marine areas off the Cornwall coast.

The Government has announced nationally that 23 new zones will become part of the country’s ‘blue belt’.

Among the areas off Cornwall to become Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) are the Western Channel, Mounts Bay, Runnel Stone in the west of the county, Newquay and The Gannel, and Hartland Point to Tintagel.

More than a fifth of English waters are now environmentally protected.

Environment Minister George Eustice, the MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, announced the new sites, which cover 4,155 square miles of marine habitats and include 45 different types of habitat, geological features and fascinating species – including stalked jellyfish and spiny lobsters.

Mr Eustice said: ‘As an island nation, the UK is surrounded by some of the richest and most diverse sea life in the world – from the bright pink sea-fan coral colonies off the South West coast, to the great chalk reef stretches in the east.

‘It’s vital that we protect our marine environment to ensure our seas remain healthy, our fishing industry remains prosperous and future generations can enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastline and waters.

‘By designating these new Marine Conservation Zones and creating a blue belt of protected areas around the country, we can better protect our environment through careful marine management in years to come.’

The 23 additional sites are the second of three planned phases of MCZs. The first phase covered 3,731 square miles across 27 sites, while a third phase of MCZs will be designated in 2018.

Joan Edwards, the wildlife trusts’ head of living seas, said: ‘Marine protection is vital to us all, no matter where we live. Our seas provide the oxygen for every second breath we take, the fish on our plates and so much more.’