Kate Humble supports call for Marine Reserves Now at LIDS
photo by Tim Fanshawe/MCS
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK’s leading marine environmental charity has joined forces with the leading UK diver training organisation, the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), in a campaign to establish a network of vital marine reserves – where our precious marine heritage and wildlife will be safe from harm, and given room to recover from decades of exploitation.
The partnership was launched at the London International Dive Show, 10:30am on Saturday 10th March (Stand no. 1009) with a video statement from TV presenter, Kate Humble.
His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales is President of both MCS and BSAC and actively encouraged the two organisations under his patronage to work together for the protection of our seas. This campaign represents an ideal opportunity to bring together diving and marine conservation interests in a united call for the creation of marine reserves in UK seas.
Kate Humble, acclaimed TV presenter of the BBC Seawatch and Springwatch programmes, has supported the campaign since its inception and will gave a video statement at the Dive Show. Kate says: “Less than a fraction of one percent of the UK’s sea is fully protected – that’s an area about the size of Kensington Gardens, one small park in the centre of London. This single tiny pinprick in our vast seas at Lundy Island off the North Devon coast, is a haven for marine life, which attracts divers, filmmakers, scientists and tourists, and most importantly, now allows marine life to thrive in its natural state. Marine reserves are vital if we are to ensure a healthy future for our seas and give marine life space to breathe and recover. Marine reserves do work and can help wildlife populations recover if enough is done before it’s too late.��?MCS and BSAC believe that the Marine Bill currently being developed, and on which a White Paper is to be published on March 15th, must introduce a network of Highly Protected Marine Reserves, areas of the sea where no fishing or extractive industries are permitted. The UK falls far behind international action on this issue with only one tiny area (at Lundy Island – 3.3km2) covering 0.002% of our inshore waters fully protected.
MCS Director, Samantha Fanshawe says: 'On land the concept of nature reserves is widely accepted and supported, and farmers are encouraged, and subsidised to set aside land for wildlife benefit. Sadly, this is not so at sea, where permitted throughout most of our waters, including inside many current so-called 'protected areas'. MCS has joined forces with BSAC to promote havens for marine life - marine reserves - to allow populations to recover and thrive, not only for the sake of nature, but to ensure the long-term productivity of our once rich seas.��?
BSAC Chairman, Marcus Allen said “Divers are uniquely placed to appreciate and benefit from the establishment of marine reserves. We see first hand how the environment is changing and how protection really can make a difference. I hope every diver, not just BSAC divers, will get behind this campaign.��?
photo by Tim Fanshawe/MCS
The aims of the joint MCS and BSAC campaign are to: raise awareness and support for marine reserves amongst divers; influence the Government’s developing Marine Bill through 2007 and 2008; and identify sites where divers feel full protection should be afforded. BSAC divers can support the campaign by signing a petition at the MCS and BSAC stands at the London Dive Show, adding their voice to the online petition at www.marinereservesnow.org.ouk; and submitting a photo – preferably underwater - holding the Marine Reserves Now campaign poster for the MCS online photo gallery at www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/mrn-gallery.php . Several celebrities and key MPs have already supported the campaign, including Jean-Michel Cousteau, Kate Humble, Monty Halls, Ted Danson, the Rt Hon. Ben Bradshaw MP and the Rt Hon Elliot Morley MP.
Page last modified: 13th Jun 2007 - 17:20:24