PLANS for a series of marine nature reserves off the coast of Plymouth and South East Cornwall have been submitted to government.

They are among a total of 58 proposed “conservation zones” in the South West covering habitats from estuaries and coastal areas to deep water canyons.

The aim is to develop a wider network of areas providing improved protection for marine life and habitats.

Of the suggested sites (MCZs), 13 are in offshore areas and 32 in the inshore waters of the region.

The list also recommends 13 so-called “reference areas” which could be afforded the highest protection - with activities such as fishing or dredging banned - to preserve species and habitats.

Officials say the aim of the marine conservation zones is to conserve wildlife, habitats and geology, while also taking account of commercial interests such as fishing and offshore energy projects and recreational activities such as angling.

Management of the proposed MCZs, including what activities would be allowed, would be decided at a later date.

The recommended marine conservation zones and reference areas in the South West and other regions around England were drawn up in collaboration between conservation groups, marine industries, leisure organisations and other interested parties.

The proposed marine conservation zones, which will be in addition to existing protections such as European sites which preserve birds or other wildlife and habitats, include Whitsand and Looe Bay, and Upper Fowey and Pont Pill.

The Avon, Erme, and Tamar Estuaries have also been ear-marked to become marine conservation zones.

It is aimed at protecting a broad range of wildlife and habitats, including a type of nationally scarce lagoon worm, blue mussel beds, a shoaling fish known as smelt, seagrass beds, the pink sea fan, a fish known as the giant goby, a stalked jellyfish and long snouted seahorses.

Next year the Government will following a public consultation, announce the final list of marine conservation zones which are being designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

Marine Minister Richard Benyon said: “The thousands of species of sealife and habitats that live hidden under our waters need just as much protection as those we can see on our land. Our ambition to put in place special protection areas for marine life off the coast of England take a significant step forward.”

The Marine Conservation Society welcomed the announcement, saying protected sites were desperately needed to conserve the seas around the UK coast to allow habitats and wildlife to recover from decades of degradation.

Tory MP for South East Cornwall Sheryll Murray said: “One of the things I have been very clear about from the outset is any introduction of marine conservation zones or marine protected areas must ensure that all of my fishermen, from Looe, Polperro and the Rame peninsula can continue to carry on their commercial activities.

“I can fully understand that no additional activity could take place, but those vessels which have historically been operating in the area must be allowed to continue.”