Neglected UK seas catch break with new legislation

Godalming, UK – The UK Government has today introduced new legislation that will make the region’s neglected seas much healthier, reversing years of overfishing and habitat loss.

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act requires the UK government, for the first time, to conserve and protect marine species and habitats. The law’s passage is a result of more than a decade of campaigning by WWF-UK.

The UK as an island nation has a remarkable 20,000 kms of coastline. Nationally important species and habitats can be found under the waves which have, until now, been left exposed to a multitude of pressures, including fishing, aggregate extraction, oil and gas exploitation, and emerging threats such as the impacts of climate change.

Research into UK seas shows that key species and habitats, such as Atlantic salmon, harbour porpoises, deep-water coral reefs, and seagrass beds are under threat. Of the 16 flagship species and habitats monitored by WWF in 2005, 13 were found to be in decline and a new investigation this year concluded that none were at healthy levels.

“This is a pivotal moment for UK conservation efforts and shows what can be achieved through tireless campaigning efforts,” said David Norman, Director of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “This long-awaited piece of legislation has the potential to really make a difference to thousands of species, including not just dolphins and sharks, but seahorses, turtles, commercially important fish stocks, and lesser-known species like pink sea fans and sunset cup corals.”

“The Marine and Coastal Access Act will bring together the many rules and regulations that currently govern our seas to ensure our seas are used sustainably, and this legislation will provide long-term benefits to many people who rely on healthy, well-managed seas – from fishermen to tourist operators.”

WWF began campaigning for a Marine Act at the start of the decade, realising that a single, comprehensive piece of legislation was vitally needed to govern UK waters.

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act now puts a clear and unambiguous duty on the Government to designate a network of protected areas to conserve and improve the marine environment. A new Marine Management Organisation will manage and champion the UK's seas, and following WWF lobbying, a Chief Scientific Advisor will be appointed to provide a stronger scientific steer for its decision-making

WWF is pleased that the Government will now seek to ensure that new marine plans cover the whole of UK waters so that the multitude of activities at sea are planned strategically.

“We now have the tools to protect our marine species and habitats but we cannot rest on our laurels,” Norman said. “We must ensure that political momentum is not lost and both current and future Government’s are held to account on delivering the intentions behind this Act. With the right implementation the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act could become a leading piece of legislation that other countries across Europe can follow.”