The sea around Lundy Island, off the coast of Devon, has become England's first marine conservation zone.

Lundy's new status is the latest stage of a government plan to create a network of protected areas in the seas around the UK.

The marine conservation zone (MCZ) around the three mile-long island will give protection to the important habitats and species living there.

The islands' waters are home to wildlife ranging from grey seals and lobsters to pink sea fan corals and habitats including reefs, sea caves and sand banks.

Part of the area, which has been a marine nature reserve for more than 20 years, has been protected from all kinds of fishing since 2003 as a "no-take zone".

Over the next two years, plans for a network of protected zones will be drawn up around English, Welsh and Northern Irish waters under the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

Under the Marine Act, it will be an offence to break the rules established in the zones, which could include seasonal or permanent bans on certain types of fishing, recreational activities or practises such as dropping anchor.

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