The UK has formally signed the Coral Reef Life Declaration, joining a global effort to bolster research and safeguard the world’s coral reefs from climate change, ocean acidification, human activity and rising sea temperatures. The UK’s intention to sign the Declaration was first announced in April ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with the UK and its overseas territories accounting for 2% of the world’s reefs. Our waters are home to cold-water corals over 8,000 years old – with the only known coral reef in English waters protected as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

So far, 12 countries have signed the Coral Reef Life Declaration, which was launched by Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Our Ocean conference in Malta last year to encourage countries to come together to protect coral reefs. 2018 has also been made the International Year of the Reef by the International Coral Reef Initiative – the leading organisation dedicated to protecting these habitats 

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

Coral reefs are home to a quarter of the world’s marine species and support countless coastal communities. But our oceans and seas do not abide by national boundaries, which is why we need to work together globally to protect these important habitats. I’m proud the UK has signed the Coral Reef Life Declaration and committed to using our world-class scientific expertise to safeguard the world’s oceans for future generations. Click here to read more