Living Seas The way A report by The Wildlife Trusts
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The way back to Living Seas A report by The Wildlife Trusts
Grey seal off the
Farne Islands,
Northumberland
Welcome
Seize the moment!
A unique chance for the UK to become a world leader in marine management
I
n 2019 the UK plans to leave and infrastructure development,
the European Union. While it destructive fishing practices and,
is important that we retain increasingly, the effects of global
existing EU law through the climate change. These pressures are
Withdrawal Bill and anticipated altering the ecological balance,
Fisheries and Agriculture Bills, this depleting resources beyond safe
departure is a significant biological limits and jeopardising
opportunity to build on existing what we take from the sea.
mechanisms and improve the way But this can be turned around. A
we manage the sea. national Marine Strategy gives us
Joan Edwards
This would be a massive moment is Director of the opportunity to change how we
for our seas and their wildlife. This Public Affairs fish, how we extract resources such
document sets out The Wildlife and Living as aggregates, and how we manage
Trusts’ proposals for a new UK Seas at The planning at sea. With the right
Marine Strategy. This would guide Wildlife Trusts guidance and ambition we can
how we develop industry at sea, create thriving seas and a strong
how we fish within environmental Blue Economy – globally recognised
limits and how we can restore our and the pride of our country.
marine ecosystems so that we have This would help to provide
seas full of fish and wildlife. All sea economic security and essential
users would be involved in its benefits for all citizens. And we
alex mustard
development. could inspire a new generation who
Our seas are threatened by will love and care for our seas in the
pollution, unsustainable exploitation decades to come.
2 the wildlife trusts living seas
Living
seas
Contents
4 Healthy future: a restored marine environment underpins our economy
6 Regional Sea Plans: the tool to help us live within environmental limits
9 Our seas are in crisis: our marine environment is gravely threatened
10 Securing protected areas at sea: the network is still not complete
The Wildlife Trusts
14 Sustainable fishing: it would benefit jobs, consumers and wildlife Tel 01636 677771
wildlifetrusts.org
16 Sustainable development: we need efficient regulators with @WildlifeTrusts
Registered Charity No
a strong licensing system 207238
Cover pictures, clockwise
18 Eliminating pollution: The means to tackle this multi-faceted from top left: Actinia
problem need to be developed and implemented equina anemone in kelp,
Peter Scoones; lobster
potter, Cornwall, Toby
20 Inspiring and connecting people: success depends on society’s Roxburgh/2020VISION;
understanding of the need to change otter cub on the shore in
Shetland, Chris Gomersall;
22 Because it’s worth it: everybody has an interest in the Lola and Vicky sea kayaking,
Mevagissey, Dan Hilliard;
sustainable use of a finite resource Short-beaked common
dolphins, Little Minch, South
24 Find out more: who to contact at The Wildlife Trusts Uist, Chris Gomersall
11 Salt marsh,
Norfolk
20 22 Hermit crab
in seagrass,
Plymouth
matthew roberts
dan hilliard
paul naylor
Fishing trip,
Cornwall
living seas the wildlife trusts 3
Healthy sea
Spider Crab
on rocky reef,
Thurlestone,
South Devon
Healthy
future
A restored marine environment
underpins our economy and welfare
A
healthy, wildlife-rich natural
environment is not only
valuable in its own right; it is
fundamentally important for human
health, wellbeing, and our
prosperity.
Around half our wildlife lives in the
sea. Healthy seas mean more fish
and more corals. It means species
which have declined becoming
common again. It means thriving
fish stocks and healthy marine
habitats. Productive, diverse and
resilient marine ecosystems are the
bedrock of a sustainable society
and economy.
Healthy, living seas
also contribute to flood
management, water
purification, tourism
and coastal
communities. These
benefits are often
referred to as
ecosystem goods and
services. The UK
Government has an
opportunity to develop
its own ‘Blue Growth’
strategy. Sectors such as coastal
tourism, aquaculture, marine
biotechnology and ocean energy
have high potential for employment
and growth, working within safe
environmental limits.
UK Government
has an
opportunity to
develop its own ‘Blue
dan bolt
Growth’ strategy”
4 the wildlife trusts living seas
Living
seas
Our key ask
The Wildlife Trusts believe the UK Government should act to safeguard our national
resources and the recovery of our seas. It should embrace a new marine management
system based on Regional Sea Plans and a nationwide network of Marine Protected Areas.
Restores Nature
Recognises the
value of the sea’s
Involves natural capital
Meets targets
people and commits to Results in
its recovery measurable Good
Inspires and Environmental
connects people Status in all seas
with the sea
Regional Sea
plans that
meet the needs
of people and
Minimises
nature Stays sustainable
harm
Sets environmental
Ends pollution, limits for all
destructive Plans long term activities at sea
fishing and
Uses an ecosystem-
unsustainable
based approach,
marine development
meeting the needs 2117
of current and
future generations
Marine recovery in a generation
If the UK Government takes the
york university
lead on this new strategy, then
within the next 25 years our seas
will be more sustainably used
and be well on their way to
returning to their historic levels.
This will benefit the wildlife that
inhabits our seas, and the
prosperity and wellbeing of local
communities and the UK as a
whole that depend on them.
There is no time to lose.
thanks to victor green
80 years ago,
tuna up to 386kg
A 250kg halibut landed at Aberdeen
swam off Whitby
in 1963. It was probably 40 years old
living seas the wildlife trusts 5
How it can happen Irish Sea
The Irish Sea shows
Regional
why Regional Sea
Plans are needed. It’s
a complex ecosystem
with species such
as Manx shearwater
travelling thousands
Sea Plans
of miles to feed in its
productive waters.
They can help us meet the needs of people and
wildlife and live within environmental limits
A
chieving the sustainable use
of our seas requires the Key
development of a new
regional marine spatial planning
programme. This should include:
n Wildlife areas Fishing
A full network of ecologically
coherent Marine Protected Areas Marine mammals
(MPAs) and wildlife corridors.
n Resource areas
of low environmental risk where
development might be suitable. Recreational diving
n Sustainable fishing areas
for commercial fishing, where we
set aside areas of the sea for fishing
Offshore wind
activities, such as scallop dredging.
However, all activities should
be carried out within environmental
limits and avoid sensitive Aggregate extraction
wildlife areas.
Achieving
international goals
The Regional Sea Plans approach will
allow Governments to achieve the
global goals the UK has committed
to, or to which the UK is a signatory.
At the moment failure is a real risk, as
regards the UK’s commitment to:
By 2020, effectively regulate
harvesting (fishing) and end
overfishing; illegal, unreported and
ecological limits
Regional Sea Plans would mean all stakeholders staying within unregulated fishing; and destructive
fishing practices; and implement
6 the wildlife trusts living seas
Living
The UK’s Regional Seas seas
Scottish
maya plass
Continents
Shelf
Minches Northern
and North Sea
Western
Scotland
Harmful activity, such as Nephrops
dredging, would be controlled
How Regional Sea
Irish
Sea
Southern
North Sea
Plans can work
The Irish Sea is a perfect example
of the need for Regional Sea
Plans. Shared by England, Wales,
Northern Ireland, Scotland and
the Isle of Man, it needs to be
managed in a joined-up way.
Its riches are under pressure
from unsustainable fishing,
shipping, pipelines and renewable
power projects. A Regional Sea
Eastern Channel Plan would deliver sustainable use
of its resources across five
Western
Channel and administrations, ensuring that its
Celtic Sea benefits are available for future
generations. It would include:
n Protecting key areas from
damage, including rich subtidal
mud habitats, through a network
of Marine Protected Areas;
Regional Sea By 2020, prevent and significantly
reduce marine pollution of all kinds,
n Identifying opportunities for
development and sustainable
Plans would in particular from land-based exploitation of resources,
allow inshore and activities, including marine debris
and nutrient pollution.
including incentives for low-
impact activities such as creeling
offshore waters to be By 2046, sustainably manage and
protect marine and coastal
for scampi;
managed together” ecosystems to avoid significant n Setting environmental limits on
all human activities. This would
adverse impacts, including by
strengthening their resilience, and provide business certainty as
science-based management plans. take action for their restoration in industries such as offshore wind
This will restore fish stocks in the order to achieve healthy and develop, and act as a driver to
shortest time feasible, at least to productive oceans. reduce all impacts;
levels that can produce maximum Regional Sea Plans would join up n Inspiring all the communities
sustainable yield (as determined by management of inshore and around its coastline, connecting
their biological characteristics); offshore waters so they can be people with its plentiful wildlife,
By 2020, enhance the managed together. New regional including humpback whales
conservation and sustainable use of boundaries would be based on visiting in increasing numbers;
oceans and their resources by marine ecosystems and provide a
implementing international law as sustainable long-term framework for n Bringing all sectors together
reflected in the United Nations managing our seas. through the production of a
Convention on the Law Of the Sea, The plans would also provide a common vision for the future
as set out in paragraph 158 of The way to manage relationships with sustainable use of the Irish Sea.
Future We Want; neighbouring countries, collaborate
living seas the wildlife trusts 7
Basking shark,
Coll, Hebrides
alex mustard/2020vision
We can do better
Regional Sea reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and implement strategies for
For example, the Marine
Management Organisation is
Plans should be adaptation and resilience responsible for preparing marine plans
in England. While these plans have made
the beating heart of
building.
Regional Sea Plans should be a good start in improving marine
a new UK Marine the beating heart of a new UK
Marine Strategy. They would
management, we feel that they have not
gone far enough. Aside from not taking a
Strategy” represent a world-leading truly spatial and forward-thinking
approach to the management approach, they don’t adequately
on international matters (e.g. of marine and coastal activities. incorporate all the activities in the
migratory species) and resolve any Based on a network of Marine sea. Most notably, fisheries
disputes (e.g. on fishing rights). Protected Areas they will enable the management is dealt with
In recognition of climate change, development of a thriving Blue separately. We can
marine plans should include Economy – here for people now and do better.
objectives and targets to continue to in the future.
Regional Sea Plans: a chance for the UK to lead the world
alex mustard/2020vision
The development of a new, can be measured, with adaptive
outstanding marine planning management plans for the
system will put the UK at the future.
forefront of global sustainable All stakeholders should be
development at sea. For a proud involved – from the people who
maritime nation this is the right earn their livelihoods fishing to
place to be. wind farm developers to marine
Making this a reality will biologists. Most sea users rely on
require the research to establish healthy productive seas so
baseline data so that future achieving good environmental The nudibranch Flabellina pedata
improvement in the status alongside sustainable use on a red sponge. Selsey, West
environmental status of our seas would be the approach. Sussex, English Channel.
8 the wildlife trusts living seas
Our seas are in crisis
Living
seas
Our marine environment has never been more
threatened. It faces five critical challenges Deadly nets2
2016 saw 205 strandings of
whales and dolphins in
F
ifteen years ago, The Wildlife
Trusts published Our Dying Cornwall. Fishing nets are a
Seas to highlight the plight Toxic frequent killer.
of our marine environment. Since
then 100+ new Marine Protected
whales1
Areas have been designated. But The UK’s only resident
our seas are still in danger. The UK killer whale population has not
Government’s first responsibility is produced a calf in over 25 years.
mark webster
An adult female which died in
4. https://tinyurl.com/ybngx7yl 5. https://tinyurl.com/yb7akfsk 6. Ruth Thurstan, University of York
to bank existing EU regulations as
promised in the Withdrawal Bill. fishing gear last year had levels
With that done, five of toxic PCBs 100 times higher
unprecedented challenges remain: than the level at which they
begin to damage health.
Basking shark trapped in gillnet
1. Securing protected areas at sea Just eight whales are
2. Making fishing sustainable left.
3. Ensuring development is Pervasive plastic3,4
sustainable 12.2 million tonnes of plastic
4. Eliminating pollution enters the marine environment
5. Inspiring and connecting per year. 90% of all seabirds
people have plastic in their stomachs.
tracey williams
Plastic kills 1m seabirds a year
Seabird declines5
UK, 2000-2015
1. https://tinyurl.com/y7ovbqft 2. Cornwall WT MSN report 2016 3. https://tinyurl.com/ya3tf3zy
Fulmar
Arctic Skua
Shag
Kittiwake
John Bowler, RSPB Scotland
-31% -34%
-44%
The body of Lulu
the killer whale was -64%
treated as toxic waste
Boom, bust, extinction: the story of the once-common skate6
20k After 80 years of
COMMERCIAL EXTINCTION over-exploitation,
15k
In the Irish Sea the common skate is
10k Tonnes commercially extinct
landed
in the Irish Sea. Many
from UK
5k
WW1 waters species’ fortunes
WW2
have taken a similar
1903 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 path
living seas the wildlife trusts 9
Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks
Key challenge 1:
Securing protected
areas at sea
The UK has not yet achieved an ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas
T
o achieve better seas for threatened. The UK is on the edge These include cold-water reefs,
both people and wildlife, our of the coastal shelf which means we seagrass meadows, kelp forests and
Marine Protected Area have an unusually high variety of sandy, gravelly or muddy sea floors.
network needs to be completed. habitats and undersea landscapes. The network must protect areas for
These are areas where damaging our ‘ocean giants’ – hotspots at sea
activities are excluded. The network where dolphins, whales and sharks
Around half our wildlife lives in
the sea and a full network should needs to protect gather to feed, breed and socialise.
At present protected sites are
protect the whole range of ‘typical’
habitats and wildlife found in
the whole range of managed for their ‘designated
features’ – eg rocky reefs, but not
healthy seas, not just the rare and wildlife in our seas” the sandy areas around them.
alex mustard/2020vision
10 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
Two male common
cuttlefish compete
for a female (right), 01 02
Torbay, Devon
paul naylor
NWIFCA
03 04
brian pitkin
pete mills
The current 01 Sea hare on sea lettuce, The
approach is like Needles MCZ, The Solent
02 Honeycomb worm reef, Allonby
protecting single Bay MCZ, Cumbria. The worms build
living reef structures colonised by a
trees rather than a wealth of marine animals and plants
whole wood”
03 Pink sea fan at Hartland Point to
Tintagel MCZ, Cornwall
04 Ocean sunfish, Mounts Bay MCZ,
A more efficient and evidence-based Cornwall
approach would be to manage these 05 Edible crab on chalk reef,
sites as a whole area. The current Norfolk. The Cromer Shoal Chalk
approach is like protecting individual Beds MCZ is the largest chalk reef
trees rather than a whole wood. in Europe
Protected areas need to be close
enough to avoid creating isolated
‘reserves’ at sea, but wildlife corridors
05
between them will be important.
MPAs would then not only protect
wildlife inside their boundaries; they
would allow growing populations to
spill out into the surrounding sea.
This has already happened at Lundy
where fishermen have benefited
from lobsters overspilling from the
protected area there.
While some sites will remain open
to certain non-damaging activities,
paul naylor
others will need to be strictly
protected. We need to establish
complete no-take areas to act as
living seas the wildlife trusts 11reference sites. These areas should Area of Conservation brings at least concluded that gaps remain.
follow the same criteria that apply to £4 million per year to the UK Evidence from well-managed
the whole network: large enough, economy, and generates more than MPAs around the world shows they
and of sufficient number to monitor 200 jobs in the local tourism sector. only work if they are sufficiently big,
and learn from. This is key if we are In the UK, we do not yet have an numerous, close and representative,
to understand how protected areas ecologically coherent network of and actively protected.
can help our seas to recover. MPAs. Recent analyses of the current A first step would be ongoing
Through the designation of a network by the UK Government’s commitment from the Secretary of
well-managed and ecologically own scientists at the Joint Nature State and the UK Government to
coherent network of MPAs we could Conservation Committee have all designate a third round of Marine
halt the decline of wildlife and Conservation Zones. The first two
habitats, and make the nation a
world leader in sustainable
Growing rounds, while a good start, do not go
far enough. Some areas which need
management of our seas. wildlife protection have none.
Healthy seas brimming with wildlife
can increase tourism and help populations could We are on the verge of a world-
leading network of Marine Protected
coastal economies to flourish. The
bottlenose dolphin population
spill out into the Areas. The scene is set, the evidence
gathered and recommendations made.
protected by the Moray Firth Special surrounding areas” All that remains is to finish the job.
06 07 08
paul naylor
paul naylor
lissa batey
09 10 06 Fried egg anemones, Utopia
MCZ, Isle of Wight
07 Common dolphins, Western
Channel MCZ
08 Beadlet anemones, Gap Point,
Isles of Scilly
09 Eelgrass off Swanage Pier
10 Grey seal, Lundy, north Devon
11 Common sunstar hunting
brittlestars, Loch Carron, Scotland.
12 Spider crab and dahlia anemone,
Thurlestone, south Devon
chris roberts
13 Lesser spotted catshark,
dan bolt
Babbacombe Bay, Devon
11 12 13
alex mustard/202vision
alex mustard/202vision
dan bolt
12 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
What does an ecologically coherent
network of Marine Protected Areas mean?
Protection of key marine sites benefits provided can be exceed the sum of the parts,
from damage is important in significantly increased if sites are but only if the network
reversing decline. But research built into a network. In this case, meets all of the criteria
shows that the ecological the total effect really does set out below.
3. Representativity
1. Site selection The full range of habitats and species
2. Connectivity
found in the geographical area should
Sites should be identified for their
be represented within the network and
range of habitats and species.
an adequate proportion of features
Consideration should be given to Sites should be well distributed, but
should be included.
species and habitats that are in close enough to ensure ecological
decline, rare, or threatened, and to links are maintained so that
areas of high productivity. fragmented habitats can recover.
5. Management
4. Resilience Each site should be managed to ensure
Individual sites should be large enough protection of the full range of species
to provide meaningful protection, and and habitats associated with it. There
replicated to ensure a resilient should be no damaging activities.
network.
living seas the wildlife trusts 13Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks
Key challenge 2:
Sustainable fishing
Switching to a fully sustainable fishing industry would benefit jobs, consumers and wildlife
T
he long-term future of the Authorities (IFCAs) enable local as their foundation, they should have
T UK’s fisheries depends on a
restored and healthy marine
solutions to fishery and conservation
issues. Some IFCAs have developed
social, economic and environmental
goals, protect important fish habitats
environment. Leaving the EU, whilst permit schemes, enabling and identify ‘go-fish’ areas. Fishing
creating some uncertainty, provides management to adapt rapidly to methods which maximise social and
new opportunities for reforming changing practices. These could economic gain while minimising
fisheries and marine conservation usefully be rolled out to other IFCAs environmental impacts (such as
management in ways which will and the principles used in other parts creeling for Nephrops, rather than
benefit both. of the UK. Effective vessel trawling) should be prioritised.
monitoring systems should be
required for all boats in UK Aquaculture
A vision for the future of waters, supporting full traceability is important for the UK’s food
of products. security. It must be integrated with
UK fisheries must include: planning for the marine environment.
■ Fish stocks restored to Ecosystem-level impact assessments
maximum potential and should be mandatory before any
sustainably fished, allowing development – not only possible
stocks to thrive; impacts on local species and
■ Integration of ecosystem- habitats, but the whole production
based fisheries and marine cycle, including feed sourcing (e.g.
conservation management; no more catching fish to feed fish)
TOBY ROXBURGH/2020VISION
■ Aquaculture integrated with and the sustainability of biological
planning, with impacts assessed pest control (e.g. no removal of
at an ecosystem level; wrasse from ecosystems in Devon to
■ Improved market for local, act as a ‘cleaner’ fish in Scottish
sustainably caught fish; salmon farms).
■ Good trade conditions for fish
and fish products; and, Rewards for sustainable fishing
■ Support and promotion of Cornwall’s Good Seafood Guide helps could support fishers reducing their
low impact, sustainable fishing consumers make informed choices environmental impact. An industry
methods. levy, like that which supports Seafish,
Ecosystem-based management could be redistributed according to
will be vital to rebuild marine natural how well fishers meet environmental
We believe the following measures capital and maintain ecosystem and social goals. If all fishers meet
will help deliver a profitable fisheries services. Wild fish, harvested the standards, the levy is fully
sector. commercially, are a major part of redistributed and no financial loss is
marine ecosystems and their incurred and the marine environment
Rebuilding and maintaining removal in large numbers has wider is managed in a way that will enable
commercial fish stocks ecological consequences. So it future generations of fishers to earn
is at the heart of productive, makes sense to manage our seas on their living too.
profitable fisheries. To achieve this, an ecosystem basis. This means
sustainable limits to the amount of rebuilding and maintaining fish Involving everyone
fish caught must be set, based on stocks, but also taking into account who can help deliver sustainable
scientific evidence. Fish mortality impacts on all elements of marine fisheries management and
must be kept below limits for ecosystems, including food webs monitoring is key. The development
Maximum Sustainable Yield. (from plankton to sharks and of Regional Sea Plans should involve
Measures to reduce, and eventually whales), habitats and non-target all sectors of the fishing industry. The
eliminate, discards will increase species. Fishing limits should balance regional stakeholder groups
efficiency of resource use and the needs of wildlife and people. established through the Marine
improve the quality of data Conservation Zones process are a
supporting fisheries management. Regional Sea Plans good example of what can be
will help deliver ecosystem-based achieved. These involved a wide
Flexible management of fisheries management. The Plans would range of stakeholders, including
Lola hilliard
needs to underpin delivery of all create a marine environment that fishers, offshore developers, marine
fisheries goals. In England, Inshore can support the fishing industry into nature conservation experts and
Fisheries and Conservation the future. With a network of MPAs recreational users of the sea.
14 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
With an MPA network, Regional Sea Plans should protect
important fish habitats and identify ‘go-fish’ areas.”
It makes sense
to take only
what the marine
environment can
sustain long-term
living seas the wildlife trusts 15Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks
Key challenge 3:
Sustainable develop
We need efficient regulators that manage a strong consenting and licensing system
T
he sea has provided our Government should invest in the
maritime nation with energy, research and development of “Working together is
food, sand for concrete and
transport of goods. It has also
alternative renewable technologies. It
is widely recognised that tidal the right approach”
connected us to the rest of the world impoundment schemes are using old “Marine industries are essential
– from the earliest days of exploration and expensive technology and their to meet the challenges of Blue
to the extensive seabed cabling that environmental impact is risky and Growth and UK climate change
keeps us all online. unclear. Wind turbines are widely targets. Marine industry is also
Our seas remain incredibly busy, used both on land and at sea, but quite rightly highly regulated to
with over 90 per cent of our imports more innovative renewable make sure that developments
and exports, by weight, transported have minimal impact on the
by ship. Our coastal zone is vital for Achieving environment. We are working
ports, harbours, sewage works and
power stations, as well as being ecological with The Wildlife Trusts and
decision-making authorities to
hugely important for recreation. It is
50 years since the first oil platform
sustainability can be examine potential impacts, and
using that information to look
was erected in the North Sea. More met with the right for better ways of working. In
recently, the UK has become the
world leader in the development of approach” this way we can meet the needs
of both the economy and the
offshore wind power and our use of environment.”
wave and tidal power is increasing. technologies should be explored too. Peter Barham, Chair, Seabed
Achieving ecological sustainability In the long-term this is the only Users Development Group
of marine industries – existing and way we are going to continue to
new – at a time when economic move towards our international
growth is considered the first priority carbon reduction targets while already fragile marine ecosystems. To
is a challenge but one we can meet meeting our energy requirements, achieve this, we will need regulators
with the right approach. UK without further impacting our that manage a strong consenting
and licensing system, with Regional
Sea Plans guiding what activity
seagen. Main pic: robin cosgrove
SeaGen’s
experimental tidal
happens where at sea, and leaving
turbine in Strangford space for wildlife..
Lough was the first Decision-makers and regulators will
of its kind need to make decisions consistently
using guidance and scientific
evidence, and engage with sea users
throughout the process. Where
development is deemed essential for
the nation, compensation and
mitigation measures will need to be
delivered to ensure that development
continues to take place within
environmental limits. Monitoring
is critical to ensure that mitigation
is effective.
16 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
ment Energy generators and
wildlife need to be
capable of co-existing
for centuries
living seas the wildlife trusts 17Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks
Key challenge 4:
Eliminating
pollution
The means to tackle this multi-faceted problem need to be developed and implemented
U Plastic debris
ntil recently most of the Regional Seas level noise reduction
environmental impacts on our policy, establishing a national noise
seas were out of sight and out
of mind. This view is quickly
on beaches will baseline at sea with limits for lethal,
injury and disturbance effects.
changing as our coasts and beaches remain in marine Achieving this will require a long-
are defaced with millions of pieces of
plastic, that will remain in our marine
ecosystems for term monitoring programme to
measure noise levels and their effect
ecosystems for centuries. centuries” on marine ecosystems. The existing
Designated waters and beaches in UK Marine Noise Registry (collating
the UK are increasingly failing to noise generated by planned and
reach Blue Flag standards, with high Contaminants actual offshore projects) must
levels of bacteria and litter posing a A set of programmes needs to be become an essential tool for
risk to human health, tourism and designed to control and eliminate monitoring data on this. This long-
wildlife. A new UK Marine Strategy releases of contaminants including term research could be funded by a
that meets targets for bathing water by strengthening river basin ‘developer levy’, to address the gaps
standards and tackles pollution can management plans. in knowledge on the effect of noise,
reduce this damage. and establish effective management
Given the wide-ranging forms of Marine litter which meets the UK Government’s
pollution, several strategies will be Strategies need to include: improved legislative duties.
needed. These include: understanding of marine litter
pathways and trends; introducing
Eutrophication sector-by-sector litter minimisation
Discharges from sewage works can practices; efficient and consistent UK Governments’
damage freshwater and marine
ecosystems. To reduce this, river
waste management systems; and
expanded litter clean-up initiatives.
role in compliance
basin management plans need to be There should be a complete ban on As part of a new Marine Strategy,
strengthened, and more sensitive microplastics in consumer and the UK Government needs to put
areas designated. Nitrate and industrial products, including in place provisions to tackle the
phosphate limits on agricultural ‘biodegradable’ plastics. Regulation major sources of marine
discharges to rivers, streams and needs to be developed to ensure that pollution. While education and
bathing waters should be required producers adhere to the ban and awareness can make a significant
for all vulnerable areas. regulate any incidents of non- contribution, enforcement and
compliance. compliance will be fundamental
to the final success of any
Noise pollution from development planning and management
This is a global issue and solutions system at sea.
are still in their infancy. We have no Enforcement of existing
baseline information on noise levels legislation should be improved,
at sea, or its effect on marine wildlife. especially measures relating to
There is no policy to reduce harmful species and habitat protection
noise, and very little evidence to and to litter prevention. With
support decision-making in relation increased opportunity for remote
to noise impacts. And yet some surveillance, the ability to both
noise, such as percussive piling from monitor and ensure compliance
wind farm construction, may cause with regulation is improving.
daniel moore
death, injury or changes in the It is also important that
behaviour of marine mammals like prosecution is undertaken and
david chapman
whales and porpoises. appropriate fines are given to
Plastic pellets, or ‘nurdles’, gathered The UK Government should set a operators who break the rules.
by Northumberland Wildlife Trust global first by implementing a
18 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
A common dolphin
and marine litter
at Gunwalloe
Cove, Cornwall. UK
cetacean tissues
often contain
extreme levels of
pollutants
UK Government
needs to tackle
the major sources of
marine pollution”
living seas the wildlife trusts 19Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks
Key challenge 5:
Inspiring &
connecting
people
Every childhood
should include this
The success of a new Marine Strategy ultimately rests on enough people in society understanding
I
ssues such as plastic pollution The UK Government has an coast and marine environment. This
and whale strandings put the opportunity to develop a new Marine is the key to inspiring action that
spotlight on our seas but Strategy which, through recovery of protects and conserves our marine
public understanding of marine our sea life and habitats, creates environment for the future.
ecosystems remains low. This is experiences to increase people’s The UK Government cannot do it
despite the fact that over half our enjoyment and appreciation of our alone, but with organisations such as
wildlife (more than 30,000 species) The Wildlife Trusts and other active
lives in the sea. There is still a
disconnect between everyday
There is still participants we can make a
difference. In the UK, over seven
human activities and the long-term a disconnect million people spend time in contact
impacts of our activities.
Increasing understanding of this is between everyday with the ocean every year, including
around 800,000 kayakers,
human activities and
dan hilliard
critical to the future of our seas, our 624,000 sailors, 518,000 surfers,
marine wildlife, coastal livelihoods 271,000 scuba divers and millions
and wellbeing. long-term impacts” of swimmers.
20 the wildlife trusts living seasLiving
seas
A minke whale
inspects tourists
in the Hebrides
Sea Life Surveys/SplashdownDirect.com
Rockpooling at
dan hilliard
Constantine Bay,
Cornwall
Toby meets two
shore crabs
derbyshire wildlife trust
Children at
Ambergate School,
matt slater
Derbyshire with
their ‘petition fish’
and accepting the need for it. That is why education and awareness are so important
The goal of The Wildlife Trusts is a n take action for wildlife and wild
society where people recognise and places, to bring about nature’s
appreciate that nature matters; recovery on land and at sea – starting
where we all: close to home.
n have a strong personal Our vision is for seas full of fish and
connection with wildlife and wild wildlife, with people proud of the
places where we live and work; positive environmental condition of
n benefit from a wildlife-rich one of our nation’s greatest assets.
natural environment - including We believe a Marine Strategy
better health, wellbeing and backed by the UK Governments is
economic security; the best way to tackle the many
n understand and value a healthy, threats facing our marine
Years of campaigning by The Wildlife wildlife-rich natural environment, and environment and to put in place the
Trusts and others finally produced the reflect this in our attitudes and management systems we need to
2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act behaviours; set our seas on a course for recovery.
living seas the wildlife trusts 21Summary
Because it’s worth it
Controls on the way the sea is used can initially meet with resistance. But
everybody has an interest in the sustainable use of a finite resource
We need to...
Value natural capital Set environmental limits develop in an innovative way,
A healthy, wildlife-rich natural There is a limit to how much supported by monitoring technology
environment is the foundation on development our seas can sustain. providing data on the impact of all
which our economy is built and from We have ample evidence to show activities.
which our society draws much of its the long-term impact of human This ability will place the UK as a
strength. activity so it is important we set global leader in alternative
The habitats and waters sustainable environmental limits – a technology for marine activities,
surrounding the UK provide us with a baseline of what is acceptable and providing new economic
wealth of ecosystem goods and what the sea can withstand. opportunities to be gained from our
services. They help improve public If we are to recover our seas’ seas, in a sustainable way.
health, reduce health inequality, natural capital, and build that aim
Alex Mustard/202vision
strengthen personal development, into policy and decision-making, we
create employment, increase must never work at or beyond the
community cohesion, generate carrying capacity of our marine
profitable business and reduce the ecosystems. We should always stay
costs and risks of climate change. below it. The use of environmental
These services stem from a variety limits means that industry can
of sources, from habitats such as
saltmarsh which lock in carbon and
protect us from flooding, to the fish A healthy,
wildlife-rich
we eat and the coasts we visit on
holiday. Maintaining the health of our
seas, recovering habitats that are
damaged, and protecting species at
natural environment
risk – our natural capital - is vital to is the foundation of
ensuring the continued provision of
these services. our economy” Hermit crab and maerl, Loch
Carron, Scotland
22 the wildlife trusts living seasCompass jellyfish Living
ken sullivan
sheltering young
fish, Lundy Island
seas
Success story
Lyme Bay Reefs
The Lyme Bay Reefs are one of
Britain’s most spectacular marine
landscapes – yet they were once
in danger of complete destruction.
More than 300 species of plant
and animal live here, including the
nationally protected pink sea fan
and the extremely rare sunset cup
coral. These are accompanied
by a host of colourful
sponges, sea firs and
starfish.
This underwater
community is
exceptionally fragile. Just
a single pass from a
heavy scallop dredge is
enough to smash the corals
and damage the underlying rock.
After years of campaigns, in
2008 a statutory instrument was
implemented to protect 200 sq Lyme Bay
km of Lyme Bay from bottom
towed fishing gear. While fully from dredging, a study by
...and this happens scientists estimate it could take up Plymouth University just two years
to 20 years for the reefs to recover later showed there were already
signs of recovery. The study also
Good Environmental Status
The main goal of the UK Marine
A study of found that potters targeting the
closed area were benefiting from
Strategy should be to achieve Good the reefs just increased incomes and that
Environmental Status (GES) of all UK
waters by 2020. We define this as two years later visitors were having improved
diving and angling experiences.
ecologically diverse and dynamic demonstrated signs Lyme Bay was designated a
Special Area of Conservation in
of recovery”
oceans and seas which are clean,
healthy and productive. November 2011.
Good Environmental Status means
that use of marine resources is
conducted at defined sustainable
levels, ensuring their continuity for
future generations. 2006 2017
Recovery of natural capital
The recovery of our natural capital
would mean that:
■ Ecosystems are fully functioning
and resilient to human-induced
mike markey
environmental change;
kate edey
■ Human-induced biodiversity
declines are prevented and
biodiversity is enhanced;
■ Human-introduced substances and Direct evidence of heavy fishing Encouraging signs of corals in the
noise in the marine environment are gear smashing slow-growing pink no-trawl zone growing back to
compatible with the marine sea fan corals and other species their former abundance
environment and its ecosystems.
living seas the wildlife trusts 23Living
seas
Grey seal beneath
cliffs, Lundy Island
Talk to us
The Wildlife Trusts run marine conservation
projects, surveys and campaigns across
the UK. We are supported by more than
800,000 members.
Joan Edwards Dr Lissa Batey
Director of Public Affairs Senior Living Seas Officer
and Living Seas lbatey@wildlifetrusts.org
alex mustard/2020vision
jedwards@wildlifetrusts.org
A report by The Wildlife TrustsYou can also read
