LATEST NEWS - Marine Bill becomes an Act - read the latest here
Extraordinarily rich in wildlife
The UK’s seas are extraordinarily rich in wildlife, home to more than 44,000 animal and plant species, from intricate corals to the giant basking sharks recently spotted off the Cornish coast. However our seas are poorly protected compared to terrestrial habitats and are under increasing pressure from offshore activities and as climate change alters marine ecosystems. The Wildlife Trusts have been campaigning for many years for a Marine Bill to deliver better protection for our marine wildlife. One of the key demands of The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign for a Marine Bill was the creation of ‘Highly Protected Marine Reserves’ where all fishing and other damaging activities are prohibited.
Urgent global issue
Lisa Browning, adds: “Like climate change, the destruction of marine wildlife is an urgent global issue and the UK Government must take a lead by protecting our own seas. The Marine Bill is the key piece of legislation that will enable the Government to deliver urgently needed protection for our marine wildlife in the UK.”.
Your seas need you
The UK’s sea life needs your help. Our seas are home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, from dolphins and sharks to colourful corals. But this fragile environment has been damaged by decades of use and abuse. Less than 0.001% of our sea area is fully protected from fishing, dredging and all damaging activities. Out of sight and out of mind, our marine environment is suffering from serious neglect.
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