sites are to be designated marine protected areas.

It means that from today the total number of areas permanently protected is 29.

The areas include many recognised dive sites that have proven popular with both local and visiting divers, some of which are locations of historic ship wrecks.

Other sites now protected are of ecological value as they are representative of certain reef types or are unique geological formations.

The protected status means that all fishing, including spear fishing, lobster-trapping and lobster diving is, prohibited, as is the use of any anchor, other than a Danforth (sand). This is to prevent damage to corals and other attached living organisms, as well as protecting the physical attributes of the wrecks and rock formations.

Users of the dive sites are asked to use the mooring buoys in each area, of, if the buoy is occupied, to anchor in an adjacent sand hole.

Full colour flyers showing the protected sites are to be distributed free to all registered boat owners, and a waterproof version will be available at marine service stations and fishing tackle outlets.

Mr. Hodgson said a concerted effort was being made to deploy all the remaining mooring buoys in time for the summer boating season, but it was possible that it could take some time.

Various long-term mooring solutions that would help to minimise the impact of moorings on the reefs are also under consideration.

Arthur Hodgson