NEWS
It's all about Turtles this week!
With World Turtle Day on Thursday, we're launching MCS Turtle Week to celebrate these marvellous mariners. >> More
MCS supports letter to PM
MCS has signed an open letter to David Cameron from Professor Callum Roberts and 86 other experts>>More
MCS agrees with MP's report on MCZs
Science and Technology Committee has published it's report on MCZs, accusing Minister of slow progress >> More
Register now: Big Beach Clean-up 2013
This year's Big Beach Clean-up with M&S is taking place between 22nd-28th April. Join the fight against marine litter - find out how you can take part here >> More
12 days left to save English seas
The public consultation on Marine Conservation Zones closes at the end of March. Find out why this is so important for Coleen the Quahog and have your say now. >> More
MCS is Ecover Blue Mile charity partner
MCS and Ecover Blue Mile to encourage the nation to get active at sea and enjoy the marine environment >> More
March for marine protection a huge success
Almost 2,000 join MCS, BSAC, Sea Life and Fish Fight on the Westminster rally >> More
Hundreds in London this morning to join MCS march
Supporters of Marine Conservation Zones are heading to Westminster. Our seas need saving >> More
Have your say on Marine Conservation Zones
If you can't join us for the London rally then take part in the public consultation. Have your say now >> More
Fish Fighting Hugh to front MCS march on Westminster
MCS' march on Westminster gathers pace with support from Fish Fight, BSAC and Sea Life. Get involved now! >> More
The MCS wildlife conservation programme
The world’s oceans are losing their biodiversity at an accelerating rate. In our UK seas, familiar species such as the common skate, angel shark and sturgeon are now critically endangered.
Overfishing is often to blame, but for animals such as marine turtles that depend on land and sea, a range of human activities now threatens their habitats at home and abroad. For example, coral reefs are often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, and are home to about a quarter of all known marine creatures, including green and hawksbill turtles. Sadly, one fifth of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed and half are seriously threatened.
What needs to be done?
We need to manage our relationship with the sea in ways that allow the wealth of marine wildlife to thrive, now and for future generations. We must use this amazing resource wisely. For some species and some special places, we must take protective measures that may mean closing off areas from harmful use, to allow replenishment and recovery.
MCS in Action
MCS is working towards better management and protection of our marine wildlife. We invite you to support our campaign for the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas in UK seas.
Through Seasearch and our wildlife surveys, you can take part in recording, and finding out more about our marine wildlife.
Our work overseas takes a people-centred approach to marine conservation. Our collaborative projects in Asia and the Caribbean are finding out how best to manage valuable marine resources such as marine turtles and coral reefs.





