A PROJECT set up to gather views over the proposed establishment of new conservation zones in the southern North Sea says that a wide range of groups are working together to find the best way forward for the plans.

A PROJECT set up to gather views over the proposed establishment of new conservation zones in the southern North Sea says that a wide range of groups are working together to find the best way forward for the plans.

Net Gain has held its first round of regional hub meetings - including one at the OrbisEnergy centre in Lowestoft - at which stakeholders, including commercial fishermen, recreational anglers and conservation groups shared their knowledge.

Their aim is to work together to develop recommendations for Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), ensuring that the views of all those who have an interest in the future of the English North Sea can be taken into account.

The first round of regional hub meetings involved about 40 members representing a range of organisations or interests and focused on so-called 'ecological network guidance', released by Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council.

Roger Hipwell, chairman of the Orford and District Inshore Fishermen's Association, who attended the meeting held in Lowestoft in April, said: 'It was useful to get an overview of the project, find out what data we will be working with in the future and discuss practical solutions for the important task that must be completed by June 2011.

'Perhaps the most positive thing about the meeting was seeing different sectors working together to find solutions that are workable for all. By being involved from the beginning of the project, I feel that we stand a much better chance of influencing the development of a manageable and well-supported set of recommendations that reflects the interests of all.'

Other regional hub meetings took place in April in South Shields, Scarborough, and Boston.

The next round of regional meetings, scheduled for mid-June, will begin to look at potential sites for MCZs.