WWF-UK: Eight out of ten people worried about Welsh seas
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Eight out of ten people worried about Welsh seas
8 June 2007
Today, on World Oceans Day (8 June), WWF Cymru launches Valuing Wales' seas and coast report which reveals that nearly eight out of ten Welsh people are concerned that our seas are being damaged by human activity.
The major concerns expressed by the Welsh population are the increasing affects that sewerage and industrial pollution (80 per cent) have on marine habitats, 76 per cent are concerned about the continued risk posed by large oil tankers such as the Sea Empress travelling through some of Wales' most sensitive sea areas and 72 per cent are concerned about the amount of litter being dumped on the beaches and in the sea.
Additionally 75 per cent believe that over-fishing is threatening the health and stability of our seas, but despite this only 29 per cent feel they have enough information to make environmentally responsible decision when purchasing fish and seafood, which suggests that a significant proportion of the population may be prepared to take action in favour of more sustainable seafood consumption if provided with adequate information.
Interestingly the report revealed a decline in other concerns relating to our seas and coasts. Concern regarding off-shore wind farms has more than halved in the past two years, down from 21 per cent in 2005 to 10 per cent in 2007.
Dr Iwan Ball, Marine Policy Officer for WWF Cymru said: "The report findings show the growing support for better management of our seas which play such an important role in many everyday lives. Millions of visitors every year come to Wales because of our stunning beaches and coastlines which contributes nearly £850 million to the local economy.
However, tourists are not the only users dependent upon our seas - many livelihoods in Wales are utterly reliant upon them and are under threat from its overuse.
"This is because to date legislation and planning in the marine environment have developed in an ad hoc manner on a sector by sector basis with no joined up thinking - there is no one piece of legislation that deals with the marine environment as a single entity. It's a bit like having no central planning system on land - a complete mess! It is confusing, fragmented and conflicting. Without robust and comprehensive reform of marine management, increased conflicts of interest and declining Welsh marine resources are unavoidable."
A similar consumer research commissioned by WWF Cymru two years ago shows that there has been an increase in the amount of people who are concerned that human activity is damaging our seas, up to 78 per cent this year from 67 per cent in 2005, which highlights the increasing awareness in Wales of the pressures we continue to put on our seas.
"By making just a few changes to our lifestyles such as choosing local fish products and taking litter home with us from the beach, we can dramatically improve the state of our seas and coasts. But, most importantly, the responsibility for our seas' welfare lies in the hands of politicians. It is crucial that they support WWF's campaign to highlight the need for the right measures to be included in a Marine Act for the UK," added Iwan.
Additionally 75 per cent believe that over-fishing is threatening the health and stability of our seas, but despite this only 29 per cent feel they have enough information to make environmentally responsible decision when purchasing fish and seafood, which suggests that a significant proportion of the population may be prepared to take action in favour of more sustainable seafood consumption if provided with adequate information.
Interestingly the report revealed a decline in other concerns relating to our seas and coasts. Concern regarding off-shore wind farms has more than halved in the past two years, down from 21 per cent in 2005 to 10 per cent in 2007.
Dr Iwan Ball, Marine Policy Officer for WWF Cymru said: "The report findings show the growing support for better management of our seas which play such an important role in many everyday lives. Millions of visitors every year come to Wales because of our stunning beaches and coastlines which contributes nearly £850 million to the local economy.
However, tourists are not the only users dependent upon our seas - many livelihoods in Wales are utterly reliant upon them and are under threat from its overuse.
"This is because to date legislation and planning in the marine environment have developed in an ad hoc manner on a sector by sector basis with no joined up thinking - there is no one piece of legislation that deals with the marine environment as a single entity. It's a bit like having no central planning system on land - a complete mess! It is confusing, fragmented and conflicting. Without robust and comprehensive reform of marine management, increased conflicts of interest and declining Welsh marine resources are unavoidable."
A similar consumer research commissioned by WWF Cymru two years ago shows that there has been an increase in the amount of people who are concerned that human activity is damaging our seas, up to 78 per cent this year from 67 per cent in 2005, which highlights the increasing awareness in Wales of the pressures we continue to put on our seas.
"By making just a few changes to our lifestyles such as choosing local fish products and taking litter home with us from the beach, we can dramatically improve the state of our seas and coasts. But, most importantly, the responsibility for our seas' welfare lies in the hands of politicians. It is crucial that they support WWF's campaign to highlight the need for the right measures to be included in a Marine Act for the UK," added Iwan.
