Three quarters of the UK lies beneath the sea, yet when it comes to climate policy our focus remains concentrated on the quarter of the UK above the shoreline. Carbon is captured in the UK ocean by habitats such as saltmarsh, seagrass, kelp forests and biogenic reefs, and vast amounts of carbon is stored in […]
Another example of the way Defra and Ministers are approaching the growing problem of nutrient pollution from farming and other inputs. The most recent site example is the downgrading of ecological status on the Somerset levels. Angling Trust ‘Government says it has ‘no legal obligation’ to produce reports – six years after consent order. WWF, […]
A report has warned of a “catastrophic” decline in freshwater fish, with nearly a third threatened by extinction. ‘Conservation groups said 80 species were known to have gone extinct, 16 in the last year alone. Millions of people rely on freshwater fish for food and as a source of income through angling and the pet […]
The Value of Restored UK Seas: WWF ‘As an island nation, the UK’s seas are part of our identify and our culture. Their natural beauty and amazing wildlife are a source of wonder, inspiration, recreation and wellbeing for millions. They also have huge economic value: the UK government estimates that maritime activities including tourism, shipping, […]
The Fisheries Bill receives Royal Assent after 10 months in Parliament. The UK’s first major domestic fisheries legislation in nearly 40 years passed into law. The Fisheries Act 2020 gives the UK full control of its fishing waters for the first time since 1973. The Fisheries Act will enable the UK to control who fishes […]
WWF: Sustainable fisheries management is vital for the livelihoods and wellbeing of people all around the world, and for the health and survival of marine ecosystems and species. Remote Electronic Monitoring with cameras (REM) of fisheries is a powerful tool to underpin sustainable fisheries management. This report explores how REM can be used to address […]
WWF ‘So-called “ghost gear”, fishing equipment which is lost in the sea, can continue killing marine life for decades or even centuries after it first enters the ocean, making it the most deadly form of marine plastic debris. WWF is calling on governments to develop a legally binding global plastic pollution treaty that addresses this […]
The Fisheries Bill has resumed its passage through Parliament in the House of Lords. (June 22nd) The MCS blog (below) makes the case for cameras on fishing boats – it reminded me that WWF produced a report on this in 2017 – click here to read this Five reasons why cameras on boats can help […]