WWF-UK: Marine hotspot...
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Marine hotspot...
...located in North Wales
A new WWF report has identified the Menai Strait in north Wales as a marine biodiversity hotspot. The report, Marine Biodiversity Hotspots: Putting marine life on the UK map, details the techniques used to identify areas of high species and habitat richness that are in need of better protection.
These hotspots are under threat from pressures such as waste disposal, water contamination, unsustainable fishing practices and climate change.
A variety of habitats and species types are found in the Menai Strait – these include the grey seal and the honeycomb worm, which makes inter-tidal and sub-tidal reefs that harbour many other species, such as crabs, and makes ideal nursery areas for fish.
"This report identifies the Menai Strait as one of the most valuable areas in the UK for marine biodiversity and the need to better protect it," says Iwan Ball, Marine Policy Officer for WWF Cymru. "Our seas are becoming busier than ever before due to a variety of human activities such as shipping, dredging and wind farms, which threaten the marine environment."
As a result WWF Cymru is calling for the Welsh Assembly Government to develop robust legislation through a Marine Act to provide stronger protection for our marine wildlife and habitats.
Hywel Williams, Plaid MP for Caernarfon says: "Wales has an amazingly diverse coastline and a rich marine biodiversity which needs to be protected and fostered. I welcome and strongly support WWF's campaign for new legislation and for proper resources to ensure its implementation."
The report highlights areas of enormous natural importance that will help in the development of this legislation. It must include a national network of Marine Protected Areas to preserve the richness and diversity of our seas and to restore sites wherever possible. Some areas may also need to be Highly Protected Marine Reserves and must be part of a new integrated marine planning system.
A variety of habitats and species types are found in the Menai Strait – these include the grey seal and the honeycomb worm, which makes inter-tidal and sub-tidal reefs that harbour many other species, such as crabs, and makes ideal nursery areas for fish.
"This report identifies the Menai Strait as one of the most valuable areas in the UK for marine biodiversity and the need to better protect it," says Iwan Ball, Marine Policy Officer for WWF Cymru. "Our seas are becoming busier than ever before due to a variety of human activities such as shipping, dredging and wind farms, which threaten the marine environment."
As a result WWF Cymru is calling for the Welsh Assembly Government to develop robust legislation through a Marine Act to provide stronger protection for our marine wildlife and habitats.
Hywel Williams, Plaid MP for Caernarfon says: "Wales has an amazingly diverse coastline and a rich marine biodiversity which needs to be protected and fostered. I welcome and strongly support WWF's campaign for new legislation and for proper resources to ensure its implementation."
The report highlights areas of enormous natural importance that will help in the development of this legislation. It must include a national network of Marine Protected Areas to preserve the richness and diversity of our seas and to restore sites wherever possible. Some areas may also need to be Highly Protected Marine Reserves and must be part of a new integrated marine planning system.
