Campaigns & Projects

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Protect local wildlife

Marine conservation is an essential part of the work of The Wildlife Trusts, and brings a number of challenges. It is very different from land-based action - we cannot buy the seabed and declare it a reserve; we cannot send teams of volunteers with cutters and bowsaws to prune back a kelp forest; and we cannot let lose "herds" of limpets to graze on an algal meadow! 

Marine conservation will only succeed if wider measures are employed. Our role must be that of watchdog, lobbyist and partnership builder, working with Government, regulators, industry and the public. 

The Wildlife Trusts believe it is possible to achieve Living Seas around the UK within 20 years – a single generation – but only if opportunities are seized now to make radical changes over the next five years.

But how are we making a difference?

 

To effect change, we are tackling Marine Protected Areas & Wildlife, Fishing & Seafood, Marine Planning & Sustainable Development and Legislation & Policy at the UK, national, regional and local level. We are playing to our strengths, using our unique partnership, our reputation, our relationships, our supporters and our extensive experience.

Campaigning for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

It is shocking to think that despite declines in marine species and loss of vital habitat, less than 0.001% of our seas are fully protected from damaging activities. If they are to recover and thrive; if they are to continue to provide us with the resources we depend on, we need to do better. Our seas do still have the potential to recover but only if we protect our marine habitats and species properly and manage this natural resource sustainably.

A vital part of the solution is to create a network of MPAs.....read on. 

Living Seas projects

We carry out research, collate data and interpret our findings to improve understanding of Living Seas.

 
 

We identify, trial and promote policies and practices that best contribute to the achievement of Living Seas. 

 

We work with marine sectors and stakeholders to understand their perspective and find shared solutions. 

 
 

We develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and seek to improve the quality of their decisions for Living Seas. At any given time, we are engaged in a wide variety of decision-making processes at the site-specific, county, regional, national and European level.

 

We raise public awareness of UK seas and sea life and promote widespread understanding of the importance of a healthy marine environment. We believe that everyone would value our seas more dearly if they knew more about our fantastic marine wildlife and the threats to its survival. 
 

We deliver effective, targeted campaigns to build public and political support to achieve Living Seas. Join us, as we make waves!