A WILDLIFE charity has condemned the Government for its decision to drop proposals to protect Yorkshire Coast marine areas, after being warned that native species are threatened.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said it was “bitterly disappointed by the lack of ambition shown” by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in deciding to designate only 31 of the 127 Marine Conservation Zones sites recommended by experts last year.

The Government’s decision will put species such as lagoon sand shrimps, native oysters, black bream, spiny lobsters and short-snouted seahorses at risk, campaigners claim.

It was hoped the marine zones would create a network of protected sites around England and Wales to preserve of all types of natural habitat and include any endangered species.

The zones were chosen after two years of work by more than one million involved with all sectors of the marine environment and at a cost of over £8.8 million to Government.

North Sea Living Seas Manager, Kirsten Smith said: “We are saddened to hear the announcements made last week regarding our recommended Marine Conservation Zones, with only three of the 26 North Sea zones making it through to designation next year, none of which are in Yorkshire.

“We are disappointed to find zones such as the Holderness Coast, Europe’s largest lobster fishery have not been identified for designation. These zones are supported by many, including the local fishing industry; it is a shame now to see the collaborative efforts of so many go to waste.”