BSAC

 

More than 80 BSAC divers marched on Westminster yesterday to demand ‘Marine Reserves Now’ for UK’s waters.

 

The divers – many dressed in their drysuits and masks – came out in force to support BSAC and Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Marine Reserves Now campaign, which has so far generated 100,000 signatures of support.

 

The petition was presented to MP Joan Ruddock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste)  at the end of the march,which saw the divers march en masse from the London Eye and over Westminster Bridge to Parliament’s St Stephen’s Gate.

 

Joan Ruddock MP thanked  the divers for their support, gave her seal of approval and  congratulated BSAC and MCS for gathering 100,000 signatures to deliver this powerful message to Government.

 

The aim of the march was to highlight the need for the Government’s draft UK Marine Bill, which was published yesterday, to be to be toughened up with measures and powers to establish a network of highly protected marine reserves where marine life is fully protected from damaging activities.

 

BSAC Chairman, Marcus Allen, who led the march alongside MCS’s Sam Fanshawe,  Director, said he was delighted by the turnout.

 

 “Divers see first hand how the environment is changing and how protection really can make a difference.  We believe that protecting areas from any exploitation is the most pressing issue the Government must address to safeguard our seas. 

 

For those of you who did not make it to the march, you can still make a difference

Go to www.marinereservesnow.org.uk and add your name to the petition. See the MCS website on other ways of how you can still help