West of Walney is a Marine Conservation Zone in the Irish Sea west of Walney Island, England. It was designated in 2016 to protect subtidal mud and sand habitats: at that time the MCZ was one of three off the coast of Cumbria, the others being Allonby Bay and Cumbria Coast. The area is 388km2, a similar size to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. The depth range of the site is 15–33 metres.
An unusual feature of the MCZ is that it is co-located with offshore wind turbines.While the tubines are referred to as "offshore" (not being on land), the MCZ is mainly in "onshore" (territorial) waters, defined as being within 12 nautical miles of the coast. At the time of designation it was noted that it would be simpler to restrict fishing by bottom trawling because this type of fishing is generally discouraged within windfarm developments. In 2019 a bye-law prohibited bottom trawling from the majority of the site. Sustainable fishing for prawns using creels has been trialled.Fishing into the future.Cumbrian Wildlife. September 2019.
Fauna Fauna of interest include sea pens.
See also The waters west of Walney Island have some of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Name Number of Turbines Capacity (MW) Construction Began Operation Began Barrow Offshore Wind FarmIt's windy .... and it's officially open Barrow Offshore Wind. 25-09-06. Accessed 02-11-11 30 90 2004 2006 Ormonde Wind FarmWork on Ormonde Wind Farm off Barrow completed BBC News. 03-08-11. Accessed 02-11-11 30 150 2010 2011 Walney Wind Farm 1 About the Project Walney Wind Farms. Accessed 02-11-11 51 184 2010 2011 Walney Wind Farm 2 51 183.6 2011 2011 First Power from Walney 2 Offshore Wind Farm DONG Energy. 01-11-11. Accessed 02-11-11 West of Duddon Sands Wind Farm 108 389 2013 2014 Walney Extension Wind Farm 108 660 2017
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