Sea life

[Neil Rigby]

It's easy to forget that there's as much biodiversity under the sea as on land. But the Uk's sea life faces an uncertain future unless it is protected. And that's where you can help.

In 2008 the Government published a draft Marine Bill that proposed the creation of Marine Conservation Zones. This bill is currently going through the House of Commons and is expected to be passed by the end of the year. Scotland also has its own Marine Bill. There's lots more information on the issues facing our marine life on the Autumnwatch website.

Your Seas Your Voice
You can get involved in this by nominating sites you would like to be considered as a reserve. As the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says: "Whether you're a diver or a dog walker, a fisherman, a surfer or someone who just enjoys a day out with the family on the beach, you all have the sea in common and your voice is important."

To propose a site visit the MCS's Your Seas Your Voice website and tell them which area you'd like protected and why. The information you give will be collated and passed onto the Government.

Seahorses
In Autumnwatch I went diving beneath the waters at Studland Bay to look for seahorses. The Seahorse Trust would know like your help. Have you see any seahorses? Would you like to get involved with their survey? The Trust needs as much information as possible, so every little bit helps.

Research into seahorses

Basking sharks
Reports have been seen along the west coast of the UK this spring. For more information go to the Basking Shark Project's website.



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