"Marine conservation is an essential part of the work of The Wildlife Trusts, and brings a number of challenges. It is very different from land-based action - we cannot buy the seabed and declare it a reserve; we cannot send teams of volunteers with cutters and bowsaws to prune back a kelp forest; and we cannot let lose "herds" of limpets to graze on an algal meadow!"

Living Seas

What picture does the phrase conjure up in your mind? A rocky reef bursting with brightly coloured fish, corals and sponges? A boat trip in the company of leaping dolphins and playful seals? Fishermen hauling nets that are brimful of big, tasty fish? Living Seas are all these things and more!

Living Seas - The Wildlife Trusts' Vision

The Wildlife Trusts' vision is to work together to create seas that provide an environment were marine wildlife thrives.

The Living Seas vision aims to:

• Allow wildlife and habitats to recover from past decline as our use of the seas' becomes environmentally sustainable
• Ensure the natural environemt adapts well to climate change
• Inspire people about marine wildlife and the value of the sea

Where Will Living Seas Take Us?

The Wildlife Trusts believe it is possible to acheive Living Seas around the UK within 20 years, but only if we act now. The Wildlife Trusts are leaders in protecting  precious marine life and have been a key voice in the The Marine Campaign, which has helped to deliver 2009's Marine And Coastal Access Act. Marine conservation is vital, and time is running out.

Have a look at our Achieving Living Seas factsheet here.