A WILDLIFE charity has condemned a government decision not to protect an ecologically valuable part of the North Sea.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said while Runswick Bay, near Whitby, has been proposed for Marine Conservation Zone status, a vast area 30km west of the town known as Compass Rose would be excluded.

Defra said evidence collected from the 23 selected sites would help ensure important wildlife, plants or geological features were protected, while ensuring long-term economic security for coastal businesses and communities.

Marine Environment Minister George Eustice said: "We’re doing more than ever to protect our seas, preserving incredible underwater landscapes and helping our sea life flourish."

The Wildlife Trusts said it was bitterly disappointed the government had opted to consult on just 23 new Marine Conservation Zones and accused ministers of showing "a lack of ambition".

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust chief executive Dr Rob Stoneman said a healthy marine environment at Compass Rose, which features an area called Heartbreak Ridge due to the unpredictable catches caught, was needed help to maintain fish and shellfish stocks and boost the coast's economy.

He said: "It is a kick in the teeth for those of us who have been championing offshore sites like Compass Rose.

"This area is incredibly valuable, home to several species of shell fish, spawning and nursery grounds for fish such as plaice, herring, lemon sole, sand eel and sprat.

"Nesting coastal birds such as gannet and puffin along Yorkshire’s coast rely on us protecting areas like Compass Rose from the most damaging of human activity."

Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committe, Thirsk and Malton MP Anne McIntosh said there would be another opportunity for Compass Rose to be included in the scheme in the coming years.

A Defra spokesperson said: “Further work is needed to understand the animals and rock features at Compass Rose, and whether these justify a Marine Conservation Zone.

“We will be exploring this further before the third stage of designating zones.

“Our entire marine agenda is aimed at achieving Good Environmental Status for our seas by 2020 and delivering our vision of clean, healthy, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.”