Living Seas
The UK's seas have potential to be among the most productive and wildlife-rich on Earth. However, they are under huge pressure. For too long we’ve taken too much with too little care, and now the UK’s seas are not ‘Living Seas’ – where marine wildlife thrives. Habitats are being damaged and degraded, and are a shadow of their former diversity and abundance. Despite supporting over 50% of the UK’s plants and animals, only 2% of UK seas currently have even a minimal level of protection for wildlife. Shockingly, less than 0.001% is fully protected from all damaging activities.
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What needs to be done
We urgently need your help to restore Living Seas. With new laws and Government commitments to designate a network of Marine Protected Areas around the UK we literally have a once in a lifetime opportunity to help our seas recover their health. This will only happen if we protect our marine habitats and species properly and manage this natural resource sustainably.
Our work to restore Living Seas focuses on four themes:
- Marine Protected Areas and Wildlife. We're making sure that wildlife is properly protected, from the coast to the deep blue sea beyond.
- Fishing and Seafood. We're working to change the UK's fishing industry for the better, reducing its impacts and bringing it in harmony with Living Seas.
- Marine Planning and Sustainable Development. Our goal is to make sure that marine industry avoids damage and makes a positive contribution to Living Seas.
- Legislation and policy.We're continually pushing for improvements to the laws and policies that set out how our seas are managed.
What can I do to help
- Please support The Wildlife Trusts' Petition Fish Campagin
- Visit Marine Week Family Events and Marine Roadshows
- Join Seasearch
- Join Shoreseach
The cuttlefish, a cousin of the squid, is a master of disguise and a sharp-shooter with lightening reflexes. It hunts fish, prawns and crabs, grabbing them with specialised arms and piercing them with a razor-sharp beak. Cuttlefish have important spawning areas off the Sussex coast.
All images by Paul Naylor