Marine nature reserve experts in Plymouth

Some of the world’s experts in marine nature reserves will be in Plymouth between 3-9 July with English Nature, the Marine Biological Association and other UK organisations to help them learn how they can recover the UK’s marine wildlife.

The state of our seas has declined since Nelson’s time. Alongside these declines are losses of economic opportunities and lower quality of life for some coastal communities. We need to recover the benefits, variety and splendour of the marine life in our seas. Evidence from experts around the world tells us that we need highly protected marine reserves, where we remove nothing, as an essential part of recovering our marine environment.

The course is being held at the Marine Biological Association between Sunday 3 July and Saturday 9 July, but a broader audience of south-west interest groups will find out more at a special evening reception being held with the National Marine Aquarium on Friday 8 July.

”We need to give our seas a breathing space”, said Dan Laffoley, Head of Marine Conservation for English Nature. “English Nature’s interests are in the marine life and environment, but the issues involved go well beyond them. It is essential that everyone realises how important our seas are. They supply fish, but many are stocks now under threat. They play a critical role in controlling our climate, and even that is now running into problems. Recovering our seas should matter to everyone - but many have not realised their public benefits yet for our overall well being and enjoyment.”

Dr Bill Ballantine MBE, leading the course, said: ”I am delighted to bring this course to Europe for the first time after running it for many years in New Zealand. The south-west is at the forefront of UK marine conservation so it is fitting that Plymouth should host this event”. Dr Ballantine will be assisted by Kathy Walls from the Department of Conservation in New Zealand and Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York. All have been involved in the successful establishment and management of marine reserves around the world.

”It is essential that a network of marine reserves is established for the restoration and effective management of our marine environment”, said Chris Davis’ Devon’s marine conservation officer for English Nature, adding: ”Marine reserves will not resolve all of the problems and there will need to be other measures such as improved planning. Government now have the opportunity with the proposed Marine Bill to achieve improved protection and management of our coasts and seas.”