WWF celebrates the dawn of the Marine Act
In this small island nation, we’re never more than 115km (70 miles) from the coast. Our seas are an essential part of our country’s history, and its ecosystem.
The UK has a remarkable 20,000km of coastline, and our waters are home to an astonishingly diverse range of marine species and habitats – many of which are in severe decline and urgent need of protection.
Surprisingly, in the UK we've never had much in the way of coherent legal protection for our sea life and coastal environment, to help guard against the increasing pressures placed on them by modern life. At least, not until now...
After a decade of campaigning by WWF and others the Marine and Coastal Access Bill gained royal assent on the 12 November and is now an Act. This means that for the first time in over 20 years the UK Government has a duty to protect our seas.
Watch this short film to see why this Act is so important.
Click for photo captions and credits
How you can help
Latest news
- It’s World Oceans Day - and there’s a lot to celebrate!
- New hope for our seas
- UK wants bluefin tuna ban
Downloads
Mobilising the Marine Act
Marine Health Check 2009
Marine Update 62
UK Marine Bill - WWF’s Top 10 Priorities
Case studies
The North Channel
The Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel
The Solway Firth
A strong Marine and Coastal Access Bill is urgently needed to safeguard our abundant sealife and ensure our coast will be enjoyed for years to come.
Miranda Krestovnikoff, zoologist and presenter of BBC TV's Coast