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NEWS
Votes close for Welsh marine protection today
We are closing the voting for our recommended marine protected sites in Wales today. Vote now! >>More
Tiny loggerhead washes up in Cornwall
A small dead loggerhead turtle is the first Cornish turtle record of 2012 >> More
Washed up turtles
Rare turtles found on UK wintry beaches, MCS urges beach walkers to look out for turtles over the festive period >> More
Thank you Maldives Scuba Tours!
Thank you Maldives Scuba Tours for using our Christmas E-card and donating their usual spend to help save our seas. >> More
MCS calms fears of St Mawes sailors
MCS has met with Cornish sailors to discuss Falmouth port development and impact on maerl beds >>More
Tracking Turtles in the TCI
Track sea turtles in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as featured on BBC Midlands Today. Click here for details >> More
Autumn statement rides rough shod over conservation
MCS angry as Chancellor says
Restaurants improve seafood ratings
New report finds some improvement in restaurant seafood menus. Campaigners Fish2Fork based their ratings on MCS advice >> More
MCS calls into question Government commitment on MCZs
As Defra demands more evidence, MCS asks how much more time and money will be used before designation is agreed? >> More
MCS calls for Welsh seas to be high on political agenda
MCS is among green groups demanding more resources to protect Welsh seas >> More
The MCS wildlife conservation programme
The world’s oceans are losing their biodiversity at an accelerating rate. In our UK seas, familiar species such as the common skate, angel shark and sturgeon are now critically endangered.
Overfishing is often to blame, but for animals such as marine turtles that depend on land and sea, a range of human activities now threatens their habitats at home and abroad. For example, coral reefs are often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, and are home to about a quarter of all known marine creatures, including green and hawksbill turtles. Sadly, one fifth of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed and half are seriously threatened.
What needs to be done?
We need to manage our relationship with the sea in ways that allow the wealth of marine wildlife to thrive, now and for future generations. We must use this amazing resource wisely. For some species and some special places, we must take protective measures that may mean closing off areas from harmful use, to allow replenishment and recovery.
MCS in Action
MCS is working towards better management and protection of our marine wildlife. Through Your Seas Your Voice we invite you to support our campaign for the establishment of a network of marine reserves in UK seas.
Through Seasearch and our wildlife surveys, you can take part in recording, and finding out more about our marine wildlife.
Our work overseas takes a people-centred approach to marine conservation. Our collaborative projects in Asia and the Caribbean are finding out how best to manage valuable marine resources such as marine turtles and coral reefs.
Help us secure a future for our marine wildlife. Join MCS today.
