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NEWS
Plastic debris on the increase in Pacific
Recent research shows 100 fold increase in plastic litter floating in Pacific waters over the past 40 years. >> More
Excellent bathing beaches at all time high
The MCS Good Beach Guide 2012 is out today and recommends the highest number of beaches in 25 years >> More
Protected sites for Wales?
A public consultation on new marine sites has just begun, and you can have your say >> More
Call to cut marine litter by half
MCS and partners call on European countries to set a 50% litter reduction target when EU states finalise plans for 2020 >> More
Anglers called on to clean up our coastline
MCS welcomes new initiative from the Angling Trust encouraging anglers to ‘Just Take 5’. Either 5 minutes to pick up litter or simply pick up 5 pieces of litter. >> More
Spring clean volunteers needed to spruce up Langland beach!
Spend a morning on a beach activity that doesn’t cost the earth but is priceless for the state of Langland Beach on the Gower. >> More
Become a Sea Champion
Find out how you can help protect our seas as part of our new volunteering scheme, funded by M&S. >> More
Plastic wrapped poo is threat to beach cleanliness
The MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend Report launched today reveals a rise in poop scoop bags on beaches >> More
Sign up for balloon and lantern ban in Wales
MCS, Keep Wales Tidy, Eco-Schools and Cardiff Council urge ban as petition launched on Assembly website >>More
Big Beach Clean-up May 11-13th
Register to take part, and get a £5 M&S voucher on the day, as part of our joint Forever Fish campaign >>More
Our precious cool seas
Sea life around the coast of the British Isles is just as colourful, fascinating and beautiful as that found anywhere else in the world. Our underwater landscapes are teeming with life and amazingly varied, from rocky reefs and muddy bottoms, to deep-water channels and sea-grass meadows.
They support everything from valuable fish stocks to delicate jewel-like anemones and giant basking sharks, leatherback turtles and seals. The wealth of our seas lies in their diversity.
What is the problem?
Sadly, decades of industrial exploitation have taken their toll, and now all UK seas and their delicate marine habitats are under immense pressure. Only a tiny fraction of our seas are protected from damaging activities, and only eight of a total of 47 fish stocks are known to be in a healthy state and 22 of our marine vertebrates are now considered to be threatened with extinction.
What needs to be done?
The UK needs to better understand, respect and protect its marine wildlife. We must ensure that vulnerable species and habitats are properly protected and that fisheries targeting commercially important species are better managed. We need to allow areas of our sea to recover from the relentless, damaging fishing activities that have scoured much of the seabed habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.
MCS Action
For over 25 years MCS has campaigned for better protection of our marine wildlife. We have successfully lobbied for the protection of spectacular species such as the basking shark, and are at the forefront of the movement calling for Marine Acts from the UK and Scottish Governments.
We are now pushing for establishment of a network of marine protected areas in UK waters, while we carry out national surveys of vulnerable marine species and habitats.
MCS also runs the Cool Seas Roadshow, which tours primary schools and public events inspiring young and old about the importance of looking after ours seas. We have so much to lose, please help us protect our amazing marine wildlife.
