The way back to Living

SeasA report by The Wildlife Trusts off the Farne Islands, Welcome Seize the moment! A unique chance for the UK to become a world leader in marine management

n 2019 the UK plans to leave and infrastructure development, the European Union. While it destructive fishing practices and, I 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 development. could inspire a new generation who Our seas are threatened by will love and care for our seas in the

alex mustard 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 a strong licensing system Registered Charity No 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, sustainable use of a finite resource Mevagissey, Dan Hilliard; Short-beaked common dolphins, Little Minch, South 24 Find out more: who to contact at The Wildlife Trusts Uist, Chris Gomersall

Salt marsh, Norfolk Hermit crab 11 20 22 in seagrass, Plymouth o r Fishing trip, Cornwall aul n ayl aul h e w r o berts matt n hi ll i ard da p

living seas the wildlife trusts 3 Spider Crab on rocky reef, Thurlestone, Healthy sea South Devon Healthy future A restored marine environment underpins our economy and welfare

healthy, wildlife-rich natural environment is not only A 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 n b o lt da 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 harm Stays sustainable 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 lead on this new strategy, then within the next 25 years our seas

will be more sustainably used

ty i ers niv u rk o and be well on their way to y 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. o r g ree n o vic t

ks t t h a n ks 80 years ago, tuna up to 386kg A 250kg halibut landed at Aberdeen swam off in 1963. It was probably 40 years old

living seas the wildlife trusts 5 Irish Sea How it can happen The Irish Sea shows why Regional Sea Plans are needed. It’s a complex ecosystem with species such as Manx shearwater travelling thousands Regional of miles to feed in its Sea Plans productive waters. They can help us meet the needs of people and wildlife and live within environmental limits

chieving the sustainable use of our seas requires the Key A 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 activities, such as scallop dredging. Offshore wind 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 Regional Sea Plans would mean all stakeholders staying within ecological limits unregulated fishing; and destructive fishing practices; and implement

6 the wildlife trusts living seas Living The UK’s Regional Seas seas

maya plass Scottish Continents Shelf

Minches Northern and Western

Harmful activity, such as Nephrops dredging, would be controlled How Regional Sea Irish Southern Plans can work Sea North Sea The Irish Sea is a perfect example of the need for Regional Sea Plans. Shared by , , Northern , 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; By 2020, prevent and significantly n Identifying opportunities for Regional Sea reduce marine pollution of all kinds, development and sustainable Plans would in particular from land-based exploitation of resources, activities, including marine debris including incentives for low- allow inshore and and nutrient pollution. impact activities such as creeling By 2046, sustainably manage and for scampi; offshore waters to be protect marine and coastal n managed together” ecosystems to avoid significant Setting environmental limits on adverse impacts, including by all human activities. This would 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 n implementing international law as sustainable long-term framework for 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 vi s ion alex mustard/2020 We can do better reduce greenhouse gas emissions For example, the Marine Regional Sea and implement strategies for Management Organisation is Plans should be adaptation and resilience responsible for preparing marine plans building. in England. While these plans have made the beating heart of Regional Sea Plans should be a good start in improving marine the beating heart of a new UK management, we feel that they have not a new UK Marine Marine Strategy. They would 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 Living Our seas are in crisis seas

Our marine environment has never been more 2 threatened. It faces five critical challenges Deadly nets 2016 saw 205 strandings of ifteen years ago, The Wildlife whales and dolphins in Trusts published Our Dying Cornwall. Fishing nets are a F Seas to highlight the plight Toxic frequent killer. of our marine environment. Since 1 then 100+ new Marine Protected whales 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

to bank existing EU regulations as An adult female which died in ork 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. 1. Securing protected areas at sea Just eight whales are Basking shark trapped in gillnet 2. Making fishing sustainable left. 3,4 of Y U niversity hurstan, 3. Ensuring development is Pervasive plastic

sustainable 12.2 million tonnes of plastic 6. R uth T 4. Eliminating pollution enters the marine environment 5. Inspiring and connecting per year. 90% of all seabirds people have plastic in their stomachs. https://tinyurl.com/yb7akfsk https://tinyurl.com/yb7akfsk

5.

iams ll wi y trace

Plastic kills 1m seabirds a year

5 Seabird declines https://tinyurl.com/ybngx7yl UK, 2000-2015 Fulmar Arctic Skua Shag

-31% -34% -44% The body of Lulu 4. https://tinyurl.com/ya3tf3zy the killer whale was -64% treated as toxic waste J ohn Bow ler, RS P B Sco tla n d

Boom, bust, extinction: the story of the once-common skate6 N report 2016 3. 2016 W T MS N report Cornwall

20k After 80 years of 2. over-exploitation, 15k COMMERCIAL EXTINCTION 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 https://tinyurl.com/y7ovbqft https://tinyurl.com/y7ovbqft 1.

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

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 T 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 gather to feed, breed and socialise. the sea and a full network should needs to protect At present protected sites are protect the whole range of ‘typical’ the whole range of managed for their ‘designated habitats and wildlife found in features’ – eg rocky reefs, but not healthy seas, not just the rare and wildlife in our seas” the sandy areas around them. vi s ion alex mustard/2020

10 the wildlife trusts living seas Living seas Two male common cuttlefish compete for a female (right), 01 02 Securing protected Torbay, Devon areas at sea o r aul n ayl aul p A NWIFC

03 04 p ete m i lls br i a n pi tk in

The current 01 Sea hare on sea lettuce, The Needles MCZ, The Solent approach is like 02 Honeycomb worm reef, Allonby Bay MCZ, Cumbria. The worms build protecting single living reef structures colonised by a trees rather than a wealth of marine animals and plants 03 Pink sea fan at Hartland Point to whole wood” 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 between them will be important. 05 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 where fishermen have benefited from lobsters overspilling from the protected area there. While some sites will remain open to certain non-damaging activities, others will need to be strictly o r protected. We need to establish aul n ayl aul

complete no-take areas to act as p

living seas the wildlife trusts 11 reference 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 rounds, while a good start, do not go world leader in sustainable Growing far enough. Some areas which need management of our seas. wildlife protection have none. Healthy seas brimming with wildlife We are on the verge of a world- can increase tourism and help populations could leading network of Marine Protected coastal economies to flourish. The Areas. The scene is set, the evidence bottlenose dolphin population spill out into the gathered and recommendations made. protected by the Moray Firth Special surrounding areas” All that remains is to finish the job.

06 07 08 o r o r aul n ayl aul aul n ayl aul p p batey l i ssa

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 13 Lesser spotted catshark, Babbacombe Bay, Devon ch r i s o berts n b o lt da

11 12 13 n b o lt da vi s ion alex mustard/202 vi s ion alex mustard/202

12 the wildlife trusts living seas Living 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 found in the geographical area should Sites should be identified for their Connectivity be represented within the network and range of habitats and species. 2. 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 13 Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks Key challenge 2: Sustainable fishing Switching to a fully sustainable fishing industry would benefit jobs, consumers and wildlife he long-term future of the Authorities (IFCAs) enable local as their foundation, they should have UK’s fisheries depends on a solutions to fishery and conservation social, economic and environmental TT restored and healthy marine issues. Some IFCAs have developed 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) ■ 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, T O BY R XBUR GH/2020VI S ION 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 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. Lo la hi ll i ard

14 the wildlife trusts living seas Living seas Sustainable fishing

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 15 Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks Key challenge 3: Sustainable develop ment We need efficient regulators that manage a strong consenting and licensing system he sea has provided our Government should invest in the maritime nation with energy, research and development of “Working together is T food, sand for concrete and alternative renewable technologies. It transport of goods. It has also 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 with The Wildlife Trusts and power stations, as well as being ecological decision-making authorities to hugely important for recreation. It is examine potential impacts, and 50 years since the first oil platform sustainability can be 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 this way we can meet the needs world leader in the development of approach” 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’s happens where at sea, and leaving experimental tidal 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

sea g e n . M a in pic : r o b co s ov 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 seas Living seas

Energy generators and wildlife need to be capable of co-existing Sustainable develop ment for centuries

living seas the wildlife trusts 17 Regional Sea Plans: the building blocks Key challenge 4: Eliminating pollution The means to tackle this multi-faceted problem need to be developed and implemented

ntil recently most of the Regional Seas level noise reduction environmental impacts on our Plastic debris policy, establishing a national noise U seas were out of sight and out on will baseline at sea with limits for lethal, of mind. This view is quickly 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 term monitoring programme to plastic, that will remain in our marine ecosystems for 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 waste management systems; and ecosystems. To reduce this, river 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. death, injury or changes in the It is also important that behaviour of marine mammals like prosecution is undertaken and da ni el m oo re 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 da vi d ch a p ma n

18 the wildlife trusts living seas Living 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 19 Regional 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 and accepting the need for it. That is why education and awareness are so important

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 I 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 participants we can make a disconnect between everyday There is still difference. In the UK, over seven human activities and the long-term a disconnect million people spend time in contact impacts of our activities. with the ocean every year, including Increasing understanding of this is between everyday around 800,000 kayakers, critical to the future of our seas, our 624,000 sailors, 518,000 surfers, marine wildlife, coastal livelihoods human activities and 271,000 scuba divers and millions da n hi ll i ard and wellbeing. long-term impacts” of swimmers.

20 the wildlife trusts living seas Living seas

A minke whale inspects tourists in the Hebrides

Rockpooling at Constantine Bay, Cornwall S ea Lif e ur v eys/ Sp las h d ownDi re c t. co m da n hi ll i ard

Toby meets two shore crabs

Children at Ambergate School, Derbyshire with their ‘petition fish’ derbys hi re wi ldl if e trust matt slater

The success of a new Marine Strategy ultimately rests on enough people in society understanding 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 21 Summary 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, we eat and the coasts we visit on holiday. Maintaining the health of our wildlife-rich 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 Hermit crab and maerl, Loch these services. our economy” Carron, Scotland

22 the wildlife trusts living seas ke n sull iv a Compass jellyfish Living 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 found that potters targeting the The main goal of the UK Marine A study of closed area were benefiting from Strategy should be to achieve Good the reefs just increased incomes and that Environmental Status (GES) of all UK visitors were having improved waters by 2020. We define this as two years later diving and angling experiences. ecologically diverse and dynamic demonstrated signs Lyme Bay was designated a oceans and seas which are clean, Special Area of Conservation in healthy and productive. of recovery” 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 environmental change; ■ Human-induced biodiversity

declines are prevented and

ke markey ke i m biodiversity is enhanced; edey kate ■ 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 23 Living 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 [email protected] [email protected]

alex mustard/2020 vi s ion A report by The Wildlife Trusts