Photo: Harbour Seal, Anthony Griffiths
Calling everyone who loves the sea!
On Tuesday 29 November we are holding a 'Question Time' style event with Richard Benyon, Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries. We will be celebrating the second anniversary of the Marine Act becoming law ..... and reminding him how important it is that the law is implemented properly. As things stand there is a real risk that mobile species such as sharks, seals and seabirds, will remain unprotected.
As things stand there is a real risk that mobile species such as sharks, seals and seabirds, will remain unprotected.
This is an important time in the process. After a lengthy evaluation the Government identified a network of 127 sites that should be protected for marine wildlife. We were already concerned that this would be inadequate. Yesterday the Government announced that only a fraction of these sites will be implemented to start off with – possibly less than a quarter of the original list. Our marine wildlife desperately needs better protection now, and there is a real risk that the laws won't be implemented quickly enough, in enough places for enough species. You can read more in our press release.
So, on the 29th November, we'll be asking Richard Benyon some tough questions about the tough choices that need to be made if we are going to safeguard our sealife. And this is your chance to get involved. Tell us what question you would like to ask the Minister by e-mailing us at steppingup@rspb.org.uk. We can't promise to include your question, but we will include as many as we can.
You can also step up the pressure and show your support for a proper network of Marine Protected Areas by signing our pledge - nearly 50,000 of you have signed so far! Thank you very much for your support.
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