Protected: Black Brittlestars.Credit: Paul Naylor A CUMBRIAN conservation group has welcomed a long-fought-for commitment to the first ever sea sanctuaries where all damaging activities will be banned. Last year the Benyon review of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) was published by Defra and included in its list of recommended sites for protection, some in the Irish Sea, both inshore and offshore. The Wildlife Trusts backed its recommendations that HPMAs should be an essential part of the UK network for protection and recovery of the marine environment, and that the government should introduce HPMAs as soon as possible. Last month Defra announced it will begin the process for designating HPMAs by the end of 2022, setting an ambitious commitment to protect our seas.