PLANS to create conservation zones off the region’s coast have been delayed, which could have devastating results, say conservationists.

Six marine conservation zones were due to be designated in the North Sea, to protect rare species such as seahorses, puffins and dolphins, as well as reefs and rocky habitats.

Two of the proposed zones were coastal, one centred on Runswick Bay, north of Whitby, North Yorkshire, and the other stretching between Alnmouth, in Northumberland, and Whitley Bay, in North Tyneside.

The second site includes Coquet Island, off the Northumberland coast, which is a popular area for seals, attracting large numbers of tourists. The other four zones are much farther offshore.

Bans on fishing, diving, dredging and the mooring of boats would be banned in some of 167 proposed zones around England.

The plans drew criticism from groups including fishermen, yachting enthusiasts and seaside villagers.

Fishermen in the North-East said they feared the restrictions could damage the region’s fishing industry, perhaps introducing licensing for sea anglers for the first time.

Now the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has dropped plans to create the zones by the end of next year.

Instead, there will be a sixmonth delay before an impact assessment on the proposed sites is presented, with no designations possible until 2013 at the earliest.

Environment Minister Richard Beynon said the Government was fully committed to establishing the zones, but said: “There are a number of gaps and limitations in the scientific evidence base.

“It is important that we get this right. It is vital that we have an adequate evidence base for every site if we are to create successful, well-managed marine conservation zones.”

Labour environment spokeswoman Mary Creagh accused the Government of “betraying all the promises David Cameron made during his husky-hugging phase”.

She said: “This further delay on marine conservation zones will be a bitter blow for communities and organisations who have worked to protect our seas and wildlife.”

Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, of the Marine Conservation Society, said: “How many more millions, and how much more time, will need to be spent to ensure Defra gets the evidence it is seeking?

“This is hugely frustrating, as the process has already eliminated some of the best sites for biodiversity protection because of over-riding economic interests of the industry stakeholders.”

Conservation groups have spent two years negotiating with interested parties to draw up the list of marine sites that require protection.