The Society reveals that for past few decades there has been decline in fish stocks in the oceans around Britain due to overfishing which causes a knock-on effect to other species. It is told that once-common species are now facing extinction, including the common skate, angel shark, sturgeon and leatherback turtle which are all critically endangered. MSC demand that to protect the wildlife that is left a third of UK waters to be designated as “no-take” nature reserves by 2020 as part of the Marine Bill currently going through Parliament.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, biodiversity policy officer for MCS, told that Marine reserves are a cost-effective way to achieve benefits for wildlife and the fish species that rely on habitats being protected for the long term. He also said that it makes social, economic and ecological sense. However, he warned that currently the Bill, which puts a duty on ministers to create marine conservation zones but does not indicate what they would look like or what level of protection they would receive.
A Defra spokesman informed that the Marine Bill is a new flexible tool which will allow us to provide better marine protection.
