The stretch of sea from Dover to Deal and Dover to Folkestone has been awarded environmental protection by the government.

It was announced on Friday that 23 new areas along the UK coast, including Dover and Deal are now Marine Conservation Zones.

This offers vital protection for the diverse range of wildlife.

From Deal to Dover there is examples of littoral chalk communities, seaweed and animals as well as algae at St Margaret’s Bay.

Dover to Folkestone includes chalk platforms and habitat for crabs, sea slugs, fish and lobsters.

Bryony Chapman, marine policy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “The three new Kent MCZs will each be contributing very special features to the national network. Magnificent chalk reefs will be protected to either side of Dover, along with native oysters, beds of mussels, and reefs made of a jumble of tiny sandy tubes constructed by rossworms.

“It’s vital that we protect our marine environment to ensure our seas remain healthy, our fishing industry remains prosperous and future generations can enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastline and waters." - Mr Eustice.

“There is still a long way to go before the network is complete, but the trust is pleased that the government has reiterated its commitment to a third phase of designations, when many more sites will need to be added.”

This is the second phase of protection announcements. The third phase, which campaigners hope will include the Goodwin Sands, will be up for public consultation next year.

Marine Environment Minister George Eustice said: “It’s vital that we protect our marine environment to ensure our seas remain healthy, our fishing industry remains prosperous and future generations can enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastline and waters.

“By designating these new Marine Conservation Zones and creating a Blue Belt of protected areas around the country, we can better protect our environment through careful marine management in years to come.”

There is now 7,886 square miles of protected water around England.

Joan Edwards, the Wildlife Trusts’ head of Living Seas, said: “Marine protection is vital to us all, no matter where we live.

“We will continue to work with government to ensure that this happens and to achieve the much-needed ambitious and comprehensive third and final tranche.”

Marine Conservation Zones protect a range of marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English waters.

They were introduced to halt the deterioration of the UK’s marine biodiversity and provide legal means to deliver the UK’s marine conservation commitments.