Turning the tide on the future of our seas
19 May 2009
Five representatives of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust joined around 300 colleagues from all over the country to march on Westminster and meet with our constituency MP's, to lobby for support for new legislation to protect our seas and the fantastic wildlife they support.
Debbie Tann, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) who participated in the lobby, commented: "The Wildlife Trusts have campaigned for more than a decade for new laws to protect the UK's amazing marine life. At long last, the Marine and Coastal Access Bill is passing through Parliament - but the Bill needs to be much stronger if it is really going to make a difference for our local seas and sea life.
"It is literally ‘make or break' time. This Bill is a ‘once in a lifetime' opportunity. If our campaign succeeds, we will get the Bill we so urgently need and our seas will be protected and start to recover their health. If we fail, the state of our seas will continue on its downward spiral. We need to ensure that the Bill delivers effective protection for the marine environment."
The Bill is due to enter the House of Commons in the next few weeks before passing into law later this year. This is the last chance to effect the necessary changes to strengthen its ability to protect the marine environment. The Wildlife Trusts are seeking three key changes to the legislation:
- The inclusion of a clear duty to designate Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) for the protection of the full range of marine wildlife or habitats.
- Amendment of the Bill to ensure that individual MCZs contribute to an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas, which must also include some ‘highly protected' sites.
- The removal of the clause that states socio-economic factors (such as fishing) can be taken into account when deciding whether or not to designate an MCZ.
Jolyon Chesworth, HIWWT's Marine Conservation Manager said: "Given that our seas have really shaped our history and geography, the UK has a lacklustre record on the protection of our marine natural heritage.
"Our local seas contain some of the most impressive wildlife to be found in this country, from underwater meadows that shelter our native seahorses, to some of the countries largest predators in our local seal population. But none of these treasures has the complete protection they deserve. MPs and Peers have a unique opportunity right now to strengthen the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. Let's hope they have got the guts to deliver the protection that the British public want."
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Jolyon Chesworth, Marine Conservation Manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hants SO32 2DP jolyonc@hwt.org.uk 01489774445
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
