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NEWS
State of Nature report reveals shocking species decline
UK nature is in trouble says groundbreaking report from leading conservation groups including MCS >>More
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
Latest Beachwatch Report out today
Results of our annual Beachwatch Big Weekend published today show our passion for plastic is leaving a legacy of litter. >> More
MCS at Holyrood to hand in marine pledges
MCS' Calum Duncan hands in thousands of pledges supporting MPAs in Scotland to Environment Minister >>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
Break the Bag Habit group demands English charge
As 5p carrier bag charge comes into force in Northern Ireland, NGO group, including MCS, demands English action >> 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
Last year`s wet summer was bad news for beaches
MCS publishes latest Good Beach Guide revealing drop in 'Recomended' beaches after summer washout >> 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
Our precious cool seas
Sea life around the coast of the British Isles is just as colourful, fascinating and beautiful as that found anywhere else in the world. Our underwater landscapes are teeming with life and amazingly varied, from rocky reefs and muddy bottoms, to deep-water channels and sea-grass meadows.
They support everything from valuable fish stocks to delicate jewel-like anemones and giant basking sharks, leatherback turtles and seals. The wealth of our seas lies in their diversity.
What is the problem?
Sadly, decades of industrial exploitation have taken their toll, and now all UK seas and their delicate marine habitats are under immense pressure. Only a tiny fraction of our seas are protected from damaging activities, and only eight of a total of 47 fish stocks are known to be in a healthy state and 22 of our marine vertebrates are now considered to be threatened with extinction.
What needs to be done?
The UK needs to better understand, respect and protect its marine wildlife. We must ensure that vulnerable species and habitats are properly protected and that fisheries targeting commercially important species are better managed. We need to allow areas of our sea to recover from the relentless, damaging fishing activities that have scoured much of the seabed habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.
MCS Action
For over 25 years MCS has campaigned for better protection of our marine wildlife. We have successfully lobbied for the protection of spectacular species such as the basking shark, and are at the forefront of the movement calling for Marine Acts from the UK and Scottish Governments.
We are now pushing for establishment of a network of marine protected areas in UK waters, while we carry out national surveys of vulnerable marine species and habitats.
MCS also runs the Cool Seas Roadshow, which tours primary schools and public events inspiring young and old about the importance of looking after ours seas. We have so much to lose, please help us protect our amazing marine wildlife.
