Living Seas

The Wildlife Trusts’ vision

Protecting Wildlife for the Future


The Wildlife Trusts
There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the
Isle of Man and Alderney. Together, we are the UK’s largest
voluntary organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild
places whether they be in the country, in cities or at sea. We
are supported by more than 765,000 members, 135,000 of
which belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. Our expert
staff are helped by a formidable workforce of more than 39,000
volunteers.
www.wildlifetrusts.org
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Contents
Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision 3
What are Living Seas? 4
The UK’s hidden depths 5
Our seas in trouble 6
Why must we act now? 7
Why are the next five years critical? 8
The role of The Wildlife Trusts 9
Our achievements in protecting UK seas 10-11
Our strategy to achieve Living Seas 12-13
Marine Protected Areas and wildlife 14-15
Fishing and seafood 16-17
Marine planning and sustainable development 18-19
Legislation and policy 20-21
Join us on our journey towards Living Seas 22
Cover image: Spider crabs. Photo by Dave Peake.
This page: Kelp forest. Photo by Luke Atkinson.
Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision
Living Seas
The Wildlife Trusts’ vision
Living Seas. What picture does this phrase conjure up in your mind? A rocky reef
bursting with brightly coloured fish, corals and sponges? A boat trip in the company
of leaping dolphins and playful seals? Fishermen hauling nets brimming with big,
tasty fish?
Living Seas are all these things and more.
We urgently need your help to bring back the UK’s Living Seas. The next five years
are critical. It is literally ‘make or break’ time. With new laws and Government
commitments in the offing, we have a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. If we make the
very best of it, pushing every step of the way, our seas will turn the corner and start to
recover their health. If we do not, they will continue on their downward spiral.
Please join us in our quest for Living Seas. It is time to make history. Read on to find
out how you can be involved.

Did you know?

The fried egg sea anemone, prawn cracker sponge,
baked bean sea squirt and hot cross bun jellyfish are
just a few of the many thousands of different animals and
plants found in UK seas.

Reef scene. Photo by Dave Peake.

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 What is Living Seas?
Living Seas is The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for the future of the UK’s seas. Within Living
Seas, marine wildlife thrives, from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows.
In Living Seas:
• Wildlife and habitats are recovering from past decline as our use of the seas’
resources becomes environmentally sustainable.
• The natural environment is adapting well to a changing climate, and ocean
processes are helping to slow down climate change.
• People are inspired by marine wildlife and value the sea for the many ways in which
it supports our quality of life.
The Wildlife Trusts believe it is possible to achieve Living Seas around the UK within 20
years – a single generation – but only if opportunities are seized now to make radical
changes over the next five years.
Join us, and support our role as the champions and guardians of the UK’s Living Seas.

Did you know?

Sea anemones – though they look like harmless flowers
– are deadly predators. Each tentacle is loaded with
thousands of tiny, poison-tipped harpoons that stun and
kill fish, shrimps and other creatures. The spectacular
fireworks anemone, which lives in Scottish sea lochs,
can grow up to 30cm high and lives in a metre-long tube
buried in the mud.

Fireworks anemone and squat lobster. Photo by Charles Erb.

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The UK’s hidden depths
The seas around the UK have the potential to be among the most productive and
wildlife-rich on Earth. Hidden beneath the surface are landscapes every bit as varied
and beautiful as those we see on land, with undersea cliffs, caves, chasms, mountains,
dunes and plains. Colourful reefs, meadows of seagrass and other extraordinary
habitats are home to many thousands of plants and animals, from tiny corals to the
massive basking shark, the world’s second largest fish.
The UK’s seas are also our life support system. They absorb vast quantities of harmful
‘greenhouse’ gases, while releasing oxygen for us to breathe. Our seas regulate the
climate, and ‘good’ bacteria in the sea help govern clouds and rainfall.
The seas provide us with many everyday resources too: energy from oil, gas and
renewable sources; sand and gravel to construct roads and buildings; seafood, and
ports through which more than 90% of our imports and exports travel. Our coastal
waters are an unrivalled playground, enjoyed for sport and relaxation. In all, our coasts
and seas play a central role in our nation’s history, identity, wealth and happiness.

Did you know?

Hidden beneath the waves is an extraordinary range of
landscapes to rival those on land. Places such as the
Lune Deep Gorge, the Mixon Hole, the Bracklesham
Balls and the Dogger Bank could one day be as familiar
to us as Snowdonia and the Norfolk Broads.

Feather star and kelp. Photo by Paul Naylor.

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 Our seas in trouble
Right now, the seas around the UK are not Living Seas. The environment is a shadow
of its former self. For centuries we have taken the seas’ riches for granted, taking too
much with too little care. Fragile habitats have been destroyed, whether ripped up by
fishing gear or contaminated by industry. Only 2% of the UK’s sea area has even a
minimal level of protection for wildlife, and less than a thousandth of 1% (0.001%) is
fully protected from all damaging activities.
Numbers of basking sharks have dropped by more than 95%, while the common skate,
once abundant throughout UK seas, is on the brink of extinction. Corals, seahorses,
whales, dolphins and seals – all have been affected. Fish stocks have collapsed
and marine resources are depleted. The ocean processes that regulate our climate
and reduce climate change are also under threat. The marine environment – our life
support system – is on its knees.
Thankfully, it is not too late to turn this situation around. Our seas and sea life have a
remarkable capacity to recover but only if we give them the chance. With time, space
and care, our seas will bounce back. If we act now, Living Seas are within our grasp.

Did you know?

The Lundy Island ‘No Take Zone’ in the Bristol Channel
is showing remarkable signs of recovery since receiving
full protection in 2003. Large lobsters are now seven
times more abundant in the protected zone than in the
surrounding area.

Common lobster. Photo by Paul Naylor.

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Why must we act now?
The next few years could be remembered as the most important period in history for the
protection and management of UK seas. Following more than a decade of campaigning
by The Wildlife Trusts and partners, 2009 should see the passage of a Marine and
Coastal Access Act, covering English and Welsh inshore waters and offshore waters
around the whole UK. This Act could dramatically boost protection for marine wildlife
and improve management of activities at sea. It has five key areas, every one of which
could help us achieve Living Seas:
• A new network of Marine Protected Areas.
• New authorities and powers to manage fishing in inshore waters.
• Improved arrangements for licensing industrial activity at sea.
• Joined-up planning of marine industry, leisure and conservation.
• A Marine Management Organisation charged with developing marine plans.
In addition to the UK Act, a Scottish Marine Act with similar objectives is expected in
2009. This will be followed in 2012 by an Act for Northern Ireland. Together, these Acts
give us an unprecedented opportunity to bring back Living Seas.

Did you know?

No one knows for sure how the John Dory – a favourite
on restaurant menus – earned its name. One theory is
that it comes from the French ‘jaune dorée’ meaning
‘golden yellow’. Another suggests a link with John
Dory, the hero of an ancient ballad, while a third theory
proposes that the origin lies in ‘Janitore’, a nickname for
St Peter. According to legend, St Peter took a gold coin
from the fish’s mouth to pay his taxes.

John Dory. Photo by David Stephens.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 Why are the next five years
critical?
New legislation is only the beginning. The real challenge is to make it happen – to
achieve real change – and that is where The Wildlife Trusts come in. We believe the
Marine Acts give us a unique opportunity to set a course for Living Seas. It might
take 20 years to get there but decisions made, and actions taken, over the next five
years will determine whether we stand a chance. It is unlikely we will get another
opportunity this good in our lifetimes. If we falter now we will, in all likelihood, push
our seas beyond a point from which they can recover. We must recognise this unique
opportunity and seize it with both hands.
If we act now, we can restore to their former abundance giants such as the common
skate and basking shark. We can ensure a future for corals, seahorses and seagrass
meadows. We can rebuild Living Seas.

Did you know?

The tompot blenny, with its clown-like face and inquisitive
nature, is a firm favourite with scuba divers in UK seas.
This little fish, only 10-20cm long, will wriggle out of its
shelter in the rocks to take a closer look at passers-by.
But beware its innocent expression – the feisty tompot
specialises in eating prey that no other predators will
touch, crunching through barnacles’ shells and battling
with stinging anemones.

Tompot blenny. Photo by Gareth Millson.

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The role of The Wildlife Trusts
The Wildlife Trusts are natural champions of Living Seas. As a voluntary organisation,
we are independent of governments. This allows us to set out a long-term vision which
goes way beyond short-term political goals. We can voice our concerns openly and
honestly. We can respond rapidly to changing or emergency situations, raising funds
and public support to enable our work.
What sets us apart from other organisations, however, is our ‘localness’. Everywhere
you go in the UK, there is a Wildlife Trust representing local people and standing up
for local wildlife. Our heart and soul is in local communities and local wildlife issues.
Our strength also lies in our collective impact. By sharing knowledge and experience
between Wildlife Trusts, we are greater than the sum of our parts. And by coming
together at the national and UK levels, with a united voice informed by our considerable
experience, we have a powerful influence and are respected and trusted by decision-
makers.
From the seashore to the halls of power, The Wildlife Trusts have the knowledge and
experience to make a difference, and the drive to make it happen.

Did you know?

Seahorses are thought to mate for life and, famously, it is
the males that get pregnant and give birth. Shortly after
dawn each day, seahorse couples perform a special
dance for each other, believed to strengthen the bond
between them. Two species are found in UK seas: the
spiny seahorse and the short-snouted seahorse.

Short-snouted seahorse. Photo by Paul Naylor.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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We established
Our achievements in protecting UK seas the UK’s first
mainland Voluntary
Marine Nature Reserve
The Wildlife Trusts have been leading the way in marine conservation for more than 30 years.
– at Kimmeridge in
These pages show just a few examples of what we have achieved.
Dorset – back in
1978.

Off the Isle of

Every year Man, we have fitted
basking sharks with In 2008 our
we co-ordinate
satellite tags to study six year study
National Marine Week For 18 years,
Our marine their migration. In 2007, identified basking
and organise hundreds we championed
awareness work in a tagged shark swam shark hotspots
of marine awareness the protection of the
Wales stretches from Bangor all the way to around the UK.
activities and Lyme Bay Reefs from
events. in the North to Fishguard in the Canada.
harmful fishing practices,
West, featuring interpretation
culminating in
centres, projects with schools,
legal protection For
events such as the popular ‘Picnic
in 2008. two years we
with a Porpoise’, and working
worked with the
with local communities to
Scottish aquaculture
Now in its monitor whales and
industry, government
third year, the Save dolphins.
and stakeholders to
Our Seas team, our promote sustainable
online campaigners’ fish-farming across
network, has more Scotland.
than 1,000
members.

In 2008 more
than 100 of our
In 2007, we
supporters wrote letters For more presented the EU
to the Scottish Government than 12 years Fisheries Commissioner For many years
calling for Lamlash Bay on the we have trained and with a 370,000-signature we have opposed
Isle of Arran to be protected. co-ordinated volunteer petition asking him to harmful development at
The bay is now Scotland’s scuba divers to record prevent dolphins sea and worked with marine
first community marine seabed habitats and dying in fishing industries – including fishing,
reserve. wildlife. nets. aggregates, oil and gas and
renewable energy – to help
minimise their impact on
habitats and wildlife.

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page 10 Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision
 Our 150
coastal and marine Our 17
wildlife reserves coastal and
are havens for seals, marine visitor
seabirds and a huge centres are great
In 2007 range of other plants places to learn
our 14 year study and animals. about Living
of dolphins and Seas.
porpoises showed
a dramatic decline in We revealed

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Kent Wildlife Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Bernard Picton/Ulster Museum.
numbers off the South that the horse mussel
West of England. reefs in Strangford Lough,
We published
Northern Ireland, had been
a series of influential

Photos by: Paul Naylor, John Durnell, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Mike Markey, Simon Burt, Wildlife Trusts Wales, The Wildlife Trusts,
Originally

reports focusing on established in Kent,
Liverpool Bay, Morecambe our Shoresearch project
Bay, the Ribble estuary, the is now engaging hundreds
Firth of Clyde and Belfast Lough of volunteers recording
highlighting the urgent need seashore habitats and
for a joined-up approach to wildlife in several
marine planning. locations around
the UK.
J P Trenque, BMAPA, Richard Shucksmith/Marine Awareness North Wales Wildlife Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust,
badly damaged by trawling.
We ran a successful campaign
to prevent further damage
and promote recovery of
this rare habitat.

We recorded
and mapped more
than 1,400 pink sea In Wales,
fans – rare corals Northern Ireland,
– around the Scotland and England
Cornish coast. we have campaigned for
In Cumbria more than 10 years to
we worked with secure Marine Acts to
cookery schools protect our seas.
and celebrity chefs to
promote sustainable
seafood.
In the South
East of England,
we have worked with
the marine aggregates
industry for six years to
improve understanding of
the impacts of dredging
on sand and gravel
habitats.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 Our strategy to achieve
Living Seas
United by our vision of Living Seas, The Wildlife Trusts’ ambition is to lead the way
towards a healthy, productive and wildlife-rich future for UK coasts and seas. Our work
will focus on four Living Seas themes:
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and wildlife.
• Fishing and seafood.
• Marine planning and sustainable development.
• Legislation and policy.
We need to ensure that significant progress is made on each of these themes. While
MPAs and wildlife are naturally the focus for much of our marine conservation work, we
cannot hope to achieve Living Seas without also addressing the other themes. Even a
far-reaching network of MPAs, for example, will fail to bring about recovery of marine
ecosystems unless accompanied by improved controls on fishing and a sustainable
approach to licensing marine industry. And none of this will be possible without Marine
Acts throughout the UK and continuous improvements to marine policy.
But how will we make a difference? To effect change, we need to address each of
the Living Seas themes at the UK, national, regional and local level. We must play to
our strengths, using our unique partnership, our reputation, our relationships, our
supporters and our extensive experience. For each of the Living Seas themes, we will
apply six cross-cutting Living Seas strategies:
• Advancing knowledge
• Plotting the course
• Finding common ground
• Influencing decisions
• Inspiring people
• Making waves
The diagram opposite illustrates how the six Living Seas strategies will apply to the four
Living Seas themes. This is explained further on the following pages.

Gravel life. Photo by Paul Naylor.

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 Living Seas themes

Marine Protected Areas Fishing and seafood. Marine planning and Legislation and policy.
(MPAs) and wildlife. We will We will promote sustainable development. We will continue to push for
drive forward the creation sustainable fishing We will work with marine new marine legislation,
of effective MPA networks and fish-farming, industry and decision-makers policies and guidance
and promote conservation and encourage to ensure development at to support all of the
of threatened habitats and environmentally-friendly sea has minimal impacts on other themes.
wildlife throughout UK seas. seafood choices. habitats and wildlife. See pages 20-21.
See pages 14-15. See pages 16-17. See pages 18-19.

Advancing knowledge We will carry out research, collate data and interpret our findings to improve understanding of Living Seas.

Plotting the course We will identify, trial and promote policies and practices that best contribute to the achievement of Living Seas.
Living Seas strategies

Finding common ground We will work with marine sectors and stakeholders to understand their perspective and find shared solutions.

Influencing decisions We will develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and seek to improve the quality of their decisions for Living Seas.

Inspiring people We will raise public awareness of UK seas and sea life and promote widespread understanding of the importance of a
healthy marine environment.

Making waves We will deliver effective, targeted campaigns to build public and political support to achieve Living Seas.

Photo by Paul Naylor Photo by Paul Naylor Photo by Kent Wildlife Trust Photo by The Wildlife Trusts

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 Marine Protected Areas
and wildlife
What are the opportunities?
The most important and exciting aspect of the forthcoming Marine Acts is the creation
of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout UK seas. MPAs are sites in
which human activities are restricted to varying degrees. They are a tried and tested
means of safeguarding important habitats and wildlife. MPAs protect the wildlife within
their boundaries and allow nature to recover and thrive. In many cases, MPAs have
an influence beyond their boundaries too, as burgeoning wildlife populations spill
out into the surrounding sea. Carefully designed and well managed networks of MPAs
bring even greater benefits. Networks can boost the health of the marine environment
as a whole, helping it recover from past impacts and enabling it to sustain current
pressures. To achieve this, MPA networks must include not just sites that protect rare
and threatened wildlife, but also those that protect examples of the whole range of
‘typical’ habitats and wildlife found in healthy seas. MPAs are the heart of marine
nature conservation and essential for the sustainable management of the UK’s marine
area. That is why The Wildlife Trusts regard MPAs as the bedrock of Living Seas.
Some endangered wildlife – especially animals that travel over thousands of miles of
sea – are vulnerable wherever they roam. So our approach also includes identifying
and promoting measures that offer protection outside of MPAs.

Did you know?

If you have ever dangled a line into a rockpool or creek,
you will almost certainly have encountered a shore crab.
Boasting a wide range of patterns and colours, including
orange, yellow and green, shore crabs can provide
hours of entertainment for curious children. Like most
crabs, the female can only mate when her shell is soft,
immediately after she has moulted. Amorous males can
often be seen carrying a female around, waiting for her to
moult.

Shore crab. Photo by Robert Bailey.

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Marine Protected Areas
and wildlife
What will we do?
Advancing knowledge. The Wildlife Trusts will collect valuable data on endangered
species such as whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seahorses. We will survey
important habitats including seagrass meadows and sea caves. This data will be used
to call for action to ensure the conservation and recovery of these vulnerable treasures
in our seas, wherever they occur.
Plotting the course. The Wildlife Trusts will draw upon our extensive experience of
managing wildlife reserves and our expertise in marine conservation policy to keep the
development of the MPA networks on track. We will act as a ‘watchdog’, making sure
that governments honour their commitments.
Finding common ground. Using our contacts with scuba divers, sailors, anglers
and other sea users, we will raise awareness of the need for MPAs. These are the
stakeholders who stand to gain the most immediate benefit from an effective network
of MPAs. If The Wildlife Trusts can win their support, their voices will be invaluable in
countering opposition to MPAs from other quarters.
Influencing decisions. We will seek to achieve the best possible networks of MPAs, by
participating fully at every stage in their planning and design. We will use our extensive
contacts to build high-level support for the networks amongst influencers and decision-
makers.
Inspiring people. Using our visitor centres, reserves, educational outreach
programmes, websites, member publications, junior groups and other channels - we
will raise public awareness of marine wildlife and conservation issues and build
support for MPAs.
Making waves. Where extra support is needed to ensure that effective networks of
MPAs are achieved throughout UK seas, we will deliver high profile campaigns to
mobilise pubic support.
For more information on the achievements and active work of The Wildlife Trusts on this
theme, please see the Living Seas project briefs, available on the Living Seas pages at
www.wildlifetrusts.org.

Spiny starfish and algae. Photo by Paul Naylor

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 Fishing and seafood
What are the opportunities?
The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act brings in a new approach to managing inshore
fisheries in England and Wales. One that recognises the impacts fishing can have – not
just on fish stocks but also on the wider environment. It creates new responsibilities
and powers to manage these impacts. Meanwhile, the EU Common Fisheries Policy,
which influences fisheries management throughout UK seas, is undergoing a major
review. Improvements could make a significant contribution to Living Seas.
Fishing – more than any other human activity – has the potential to cause widespread
damage to marine habitats and wildlife. However, if we get it right, wise management
of fishing can bring the greatest benefits for wildlife over large areas. Practical action
can be taken to prevent the accidental capture of animals such as dolphins and
seabirds, minimise the damage to seabed habitats from heavy fishing gear, reduce
impacts on the marine food-web, and ensure target species are not over-fished. Amid
concerns about food security and dwindling wild fish stocks, farming of seafood is
likely to increase, so there is also a need to ensure this industry is environmentally
sustainable.
We believe that changes afoot now, and in the next few years, could mark the turning
point towards a sustainable seafood industry in the UK. But a change of name for the
fisheries management bodies is not enough. Those bodies need to embrace their new
powers and responsibilities and use them proactively to improve the sustainability of
seafood and the health of the sea.

Did you know?

The corkwing wrasse is the most house-proud fish in
UK seas. Each spring, males make a nest in a nook
or cranny on a rocky reef and decorate it with colourful
pieces of seaweed which they collect by mouth.
Female wrasse then tour the reef – checking out the
males’ DIY credentials – and pick the best nest in which
to lay their eggs.

Corkwing wrasse. Photo by Sally Sharrock.

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Fishing and seafood
What will we do?
Advancing knowledge. We will undertake research that sheds light on the interactions
between fishing, habitats and wildlife.
Plotting the course. We will continue to identify, test and promote technical and practical
solutions that are good for the industry and good for wildlife. Where appropriate we will
bring in international experts to help shape and strengthen our position.
Finding common ground. We will work with a range of stakeholders across the
commercial and recreational fishing and seafood sectors, including regulators,
fishermen, fish farmers and sea anglers. We will seek to understand their views and
find shared solutions.
Influencing decisions. We will advise and influence the new regional fisheries
management bodies. We will identify opportunities for them to use their powers to
benefit the environment, and we will encourage them to take a bold, proactive approach.
Inspiring people. We will raise public awareness of sustainability issues in the fishing
and seafood sectors, and promote environmentally-friendly seafood choices.
Making waves. Where extra support is needed – for example, when Ministers have to make
tough decisions between specific fisheries and conservation interests – we will mount
focused campaigns to demonstrate public support for the conservation outcomes.
For more information on the achievements and active work of The Wildlife Trusts on this
theme, please see the Living Seas project briefs, available on the Living Seas pages at
www.wildlifetrusts.org.

Did you know?

More than a metre long, with bulging eyes and crooked
fangs, the wolf fish is no oil painting. Crunching its way
through sea urchins, crabs and large sea snails, it can
grow a new set of teeth behind the worn ones. Wolf fish
typically lurk in sea caves more than 100 metres down,
but off the east coast of Scotland scuba divers come
face to face with them in the shallows.

Wolf fish. Photo by Jim Greenfield.

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 Marine planning and
sustainable development
What are the opportunities?
The Marine Acts will bring in wide-ranging new powers to plan, licence and manage
marine industry. Only if these powers are used in a coherent way, putting the health of
the marine environment at the heart of decision-making, will they bring about a return
to Living Seas.
The pressure on UK seas to provide services and resources has never been greater.
More and more commercial activities are shifting into the sea, or developing there,
as industry overcomes the technological challenges and realises the economies of
operating on a vast scale in the open ocean.
The fastest growing sector is marine energy. The pressure is on to extract every
possible drop from the UK’s dwindling offshore oil and natural gas reserves. Once
empty, there are plans to use the oil and gas fields to store imported gas.
Meanwhile, the UK’s ambitious renewable energy targets will only be met through a
massive expansion – and most of this is set to take place at sea, through windfarms,
wave farms, barrages and tidal turbines. The construction industry also is increasingly
looking to the seas, rather than quarries on land, to provide sand and gravel, while
growth in shipping and marine leisure is creating demand for new port and marina
facilities.
The natural ability of a healthy sea to regulate the atmosphere, climate and weather
is of enormous value. There are proposals to use the sea to tackle climate change in
artificial ways – for example by capturing and storing carbon dioxide under the sea.

Did you know?

When disturbed, the phosphorescent sea pen produces
flashes of blue-green light that pass like a ‘Mexican
wave’ up and down its body. The sea pen is a colony of
thousands of tiny, anemone-like animals living together
on a branching stem. If the light-show fails to scare off a
predator, their next line of defence is a toxic cocktail of
narcotic and appetite-suppressing chemicals.
Phosphorescent sea pen. Photo by Paul Naylor.

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Marine planning and
sustainable development
What will we do?
Advancing knowledge. We will collect data on the distribution of marine habitats and
wildlife that will help inform marine planning and development decisions.
Plotting the course. We will champion novel ways to manage and mitigate the risks to
wildlife from development at sea.
Finding common ground. We will build working relationships with marine industry to
help realise the potential for conservation benefits – for example, helping with the
design of seabed structures to improve their value as artificial habitats, or running
public boat trips combining wildlife-watching with views of windfarms.
Influencing decisions. We will take part in the preparation of local, regional and
national marine plans, helping to ensure development at sea remains well within
the sustainable limits of the natural ecosystem. We will advise marine industry and
decision-makers on the best places to develop marine resources to maximise benefits
and minimise impacts on habitats and wildlife.
Inspiring people. We will raise awareness and promote public debate on the issues
surrounding marine resources and nature conservation.
Making waves. In cases where there is greatest risk to wildlife, we will run high profile
campaigns to show Government our position has public support.
For more information on the achievements and active work of The Wildlife Trusts on this
theme, please see the Living Seas project briefs, available on the Living Seas pages at
www.wildlifetrusts.org.

Did you know?

The next time you brush your teeth, ponder the seashore
origins of your toothpaste. Carrageen, a seaweed extract,
is commonly used as a thickening additive. As well as
in toothpaste, it is often found in ice creams, puddings,
milkshakes, soups, cosmetics and medicines. Look for
‘carrageen’, ‘carrageenan’ or ‘E407’in the ingredients list.

Thongweed and red seaweeds. Photo by Paul Naylor.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 Legislation and policy
What are the opportunities?
Together, the Marine Acts could pave the way for Living Seas and revolutionise the
way we manage them. But we cannot yet assume the new laws are a given – nor that
they will achieve everything needed. If all three Acts make it into law (and, at the time
of writing, this is still not certain), they will be followed by a flurry of additional policy
documents, guidance notes and secondary legislation that will spell out the detail of
how the Acts are to be put into force. It is vitally important that we influence those
documents too.
It is unlikely the Marine Acts will get everything right first time. There may turn out to
be gaps in coverage, loopholes or other problems that undermine or complicate its
progress. New European and international laws and agreements could require the UK
to go further than the Acts allow. In order to identify new needs and opportunities, we
must monitor closely the implementation of the Acts and their impacts on the health of
UK seas.

Did you know?

Some crabs improve their natural camouflage by
adorning themselves with pieces of seaweed, living
sponges and other wildlife. The sponge crab takes this
to the extreme, growing an enormous ‘hat’ out of living
sponge, perfectly fitted to the shape of the crab’s shell.
Some hermit crabs go even further, carrying around a live
anemone on their back, to scare off predators with its
powerful sting.

Hermit crab in eelgrass. Photo by Paul Naylor.

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Legislation and policy
What will we do?
Advancing knowledge. We will use our data on trends in marine habitats and wildlife to
monitor and review the success of legislation and policy.
Plotting the course. Guided by our vision of Living Seas, we will set ambitious
standards for the management and protection of the UK’s marine environment. We
will develop case studies of good and bad practice and identify policies to promote
improvements.
Finding common ground. We will work with marine sectors and stakeholders to identify
gaps, loopholes and shortcomings in legislation and policy.
Influencing decisions. We will make use of our excellent relationships with
governments, Ministers, politicians and statutory conservation bodies to push for new
legislation, policy and guidance to achieve Living Seas.
Inspiring people. We will update our members and supporters on progress with
implementation of the Marine Acts and their impact on UK seas and sea life.
Making waves. We will continue to rally public support as required, demonstrating that
voters care about the state of our seas.
For more information on the achievements and active work of The Wildlife Trusts on this
theme, please see the Living Seas project briefs, available on the Living Seas pages at
www.wildlifetrusts.org.

Did you know?

Not only can a starfish re-grow lost arms, it can also re-
grow its stomach. A starfish feeds by turning its stomach
inside out and pushing it inside the shell of a clam. It
breaks the clam’s body down – into a seafood soup –
before swallowing its stomach, meal and all. If disturbed
mid-meal, the starfish will bite off its stomach, leaving it in
the clam. It will then creep away to a hiding place where
it can stay while growing a new stomach.

Starfish on mussel bed. Photo by Paul Naylor.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 Join us on our journey
towards Living Seas
This is truly a monumental time in the history of our seas. We have the next five years
to set the UK’s marine environment on the road to recovery. If we succeed, we will have
achieved something our children and grandchildren will thank us for. If we fail, we will
have robbed future generations of the chance to enjoy all the benefits Living Seas can
bring.
We would like you to join us on the journey – to be a part of this historic moment. Your
support today could make all the difference.
• Donations. Please contact us to discuss how you can support vital conservation
projects around the UK. See the Living Seas project briefs for more information.
• Join your Wildlife Trust. Become a member of your Wildlife Trust and support
conservation in your local area.
• Campaigns. Join the SOS team, our online campaigners’ network, to find out how
you can support and take part in our marine campaigns.
• Volunteer. Contact your local Wildlife Trust to find out how you can get involved in
Living Seas.
• Share our vision. Tell your friends, family and colleagues about Living Seas, and
ask them to help us too.

Did you know?

Painted gobies are the songbirds of the fish world.
In the breeding season, male gobies make a variety of
drumming and thumping sounds to woo a mate and
defend their territory from other males. Different males
thump out different rhythms, and the bigger males thump
more vigorously than their smaller rivals.

Painted goby. Photo by Cathy Lewis.

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page 22 Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision
Grey seal. Photo by Arthur Kingdon.

Living Seas – The Wildlife Trusts’ vision page

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 The Wildlife Trusts
The Kiln, Waterside,
Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT
Tel: 01636 677711 Fax: 01636 670001
www.wildlifetrusts.org

Written by Lisa Chilton.

Copyright The Wildlife Trusts 2009.
Registered Charity Number 207238.
Printed on environmentally-friendly paper.
Corkwing wrasse building a nest. Photo by Robert Bailey.

Protecting Wildlife for the Future