There is only one ocean; a worldwide continuous mass of water so big, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that one small act by one individual can make a huge difference to its recovery.
Three sad facts about our beautiful seas, shores and wildlife...
- Up to 75% of the world's fish stocks are now fished to their limit or over-fished (FAO 2006) and just 10 fish species account for three-quarters of all seafood sold in the UK;
- We currently only have 3.3km square of our seas totally protected from all forms of extractive activities (eg. fishing, dredging, dumping) - less than 0.002%. Marine biologists recommend at least 20-40% should be totally protected;
- Over 1,900 items of litter are collected on an average kilometre of the UK beaches (Beachwatch 2006) - this rubbish eventually finds it's way into the food chain.
- We work with the fishing industry, retailers and restaurants to promote sustainable fisheries through our Good Fish Guide and FISHonline website.
- We encourage the protection of marine life and their habitats by campaigning for Marine Reserves: watch our award winning video and join our Marine Reserves Now campaign.
- We work with local communities and volunteers to clear UK seas and shores of litter and pollution through Beachwatch and the Good Beach Guide.
We believe it is not too late for our seas to fight back. All marine life, from tiny plankton to the great whales deserves our best efforts to help them survive.
We think it's worth the fight and we hope you do too!
you benefit, too:
Our supporters receive our magazine covering current marine conservation news in the UK and overseas, along with notices of marine life events, competitions and fantastic opportunities to take part in MCS projects.
Just as the seas and its creatures need our help to survive the threats they face, MCS needs your support to help us in our vital work.
A gift of £25 or a monthly gift of just £3 makes a big difference to our work:
£3 could pay for an MCS Don't Let Go pack to be sent to help prevent a mass balloon releases. These balloons float away and if they land at sea can result in the needless and painful deaths of dolphins, turtles and other wildlife through starvation following ingestion or entanglement.
Marine turtles visit UK shores to feed, but they travel long distances to lay their eggs in the warmer sand of tropical beaches. £25 could ensure that one turtle nesting site in Sri Lanka is protected in-situ for 24 hours by trained community beach patrol officers - involving local communities in ensuring the survival of the endangered marine turtle.
Please join now using our secure online server
Your welcome pack will include our latest magazine, information on our latest campaigns, and a Marine Conservation Society window sticker.
If you would like to join without processing your payment details online, you can do so at the mcs shop.
If you would like to find out more about MCS before you join, please contact us and request a 'join MCS' leaflet be posted to your home address.
