Our Coast, Our Sea - Wildlife charity urges Government to show its commitment

18 November 2010

On the first anniversary of the passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA), Northumberland Wildlife Trust is calling on Government to make a statement demonstrating it is still committed to establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The announcement of the MCAA in November 2009 was a major step towards securing a healthy future for the UK’s marine life, but its implementation is now the key issue. It is vital that an ecologically coherent network of MPAs is established if our seas are to recover from past decline.

Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: “The passing of the Act was a spur to action, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust joined 46 other wildlife trusts to launch a vision for Living Seas soon afterwards, outlining our recommendations for how the Act should be implemented to secure a healthy future for marine wildlife.

He continued: “This is not the time to rest on our laurels. The decisions made, and actions taken, over the next four years will be critical, and could ultimately determine the future of the UK’s seas. The UK’s 11,073 miles of coastline is host to an amazing array of wildlife; many thousands of species live in our seas including intricate corals, whales & dolphins, basking sharks, seals, and a myriad of fascinating fish, crustaceans and molluscs.”