Wildlife in the Swale Estuary could receive special protection after the area was included on a shortlist by the government.

The 13-mile strip of sea to the south of the Island is one of 23 locations across the UK in the running to be named a Marine Conservation Zone.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made the announcement on January 30 when it launched a public consultation on which sites should be chosen.

The areas eventually selected would see activities such as fishing restricted as a means of conserving wildlife and habitats.

Restrictions to existing fisheries are not envisaged in the Swale.

Other areas in Kent up for designation are Dover to Deal and Dover to Folkestone.

Bryony Chapman, marine policy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “We are urging the public to have their say and respond to the consultation, and tell the government that they care about these wonderful Kent sites and want to see them protected.

“We cannot afford to lose these as well from lack of support during this consultation.”

Marine environment minister George Eustice said: “It is important we secure the future of our coastal communities.

“We want to support these communities while protecting our marine life.”