Whether it’s somewhere to enjoy the holidays or a resource for the food we eat, the results of a survey by The Wildlife Trusts show just how much we have come to depend on our marine environment.
More than 1,200 people from across the UK took part in the telephone survey commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts to examine public attitudes to our seas with over 100 people from Northern Ireland included in the survey.
When asked to choose from a list of six options*, a day at the seaside topped the poll as people’s favourite leisure activity. More than 94% of respondents in Northern Ireland saw the sea as an important food source, with more than three-quarters feeling that there are fewer fish in the sea than 20 years ago. Respondents were very supportive of marine conservation and, on average, thought that over half of our seas should be protected in Marine Reserves – conservation areas where all damaging activities are banned.
The results for Northern Ireland also showed that 93% felt that where the sea life is threatened by commercial activity such as industrial fishing or dredging, priority should be given to a protecting nature even if this means putting restrictions on where commercial activities can take place. In addition the health of the marine environment (water quality, condition of natural habitats and the well-being of wildlife) was rated by 98% as important for Northern Ireland.
The UK’s seas are extraordinarily rich in wildlife, home to more than 44,000 animal and plant species from intricate corals to the giant basking sharks recently spotted off our coast. However our seas are poorly protected compared to terrestrial habitats and are under increasing pressure from offshore activities and as climate change alters marine ecosystems. The Ulster Wildlife Trust have been campaigning for a Marine Bill to deliver better protection for our marine wildlife. One of the key demands of the Marine Bill Campaign is the creation of ‘Highly Protected Marine Reserves’, where all fishing and other damaging activities are prohibited.
“It is wonderful to know that the people of Northern Ireland care about the sea and consider it important to them – there is so much to be done to improve our marine environment for future generations and ensure long-term sustainability of our marine resources. Often people do not realise that only 0.001% of our seas are fully protected yet full protection has been shown to be essential to receive the benefits” said Melanie Gomes Marine Policy Officer for the Ulster Wildlife Trust and WWF Northern Ireland. She adds, “We are encouraging people get in touch and support us in the Marine Bill and Marine Reserves Campaigns for better marine protection of our seas and their wildlife”.
Don’t forget The Ulster Wildlife Trust and Environment and Heritage Service, have jointly organised a Marine Week Celebration at Portrush Coastal Zone on the 12th August from 12 noon to 6pm. This celebration of the sea features whale and dolphin watches, inspiring talks and rock pool rambles among other things. “Make sure you also sign a scale of our Petition Fish and pledge your support for a Marine Bill to protect our seas,” said Melanie Gomes. Visit the Marine & Coastline pages at www.wildlifetrusts.org and www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org for information on Marine Week, the Marine Bill and how to get involved with the work of the Wildlife Trusts.
*Click here for a document which outlines all the survey findings from Northern Ireland.
