EDITORIAL
AUTUMN 2005

In view of Suffolk’s 52-mile coastline it is surprising that this Society does not take more interest in marine natural history. However, I imagine that most members were heartened when the Government, in May 2005, made a commitment to introduce a Marine Act to provide “…a new framework for the seas, based on marine spatial planning, that balances conservation, energy and resource needs…to obtain best value from different uses of our valuable marine resources, we must maintain and protect the ecosystems on which they depend”.

Despite their different allegiances, philosophies and funding sources, both English Nature and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS; a UK charity) are pressing for similar clauses to be included in the Act. Both see the drafting of a Marine Bill as an ideal opportunity for government to protect adequately our seas, marine life and fish stocks, by introducing a representative network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Both want MPAs to represent all habitats and species.

English Nature says “Such a network will include areas that have varying levels of protection, including some that are highly protected to stop all damaging commercial and recreational activities. The network of MPAs will contribute to the recovery and protection of the whole marine ecosystem rather than focusing specifically on individual habitats and species.

This approach will bring multiple benefits. It will allow exploited species to recover which can lead to bigger fish catches; a healthier environment that is more resilient to change; and it will afford greater protection to both common and rare species. To deliver these benefits, at least 20-30% of all marine habitats will need to have strict protection from damaging impacts. Elsewhere, improved sustainable management of on-going activities will also be required”.

The MCS Biodiversity Policy Officer states: ‘Only by restricting all extractive activities in 20-30% of ours seas will England be able to meet its international biodiversity targets and say that our nationally important marine habitats and species will be protected well into the future. The protection afforded our marine biodiversity by current legislation has been very limited. By establishing a network of Highly Protected Marine Reserves, the UK can provide effective long-term protection for our spectacular marine habitats and species, with benefits for nature and fisheries. It is time for action’.

Protected marine areas and ‘no take zones’ are working in other parts of the world. In 2004 Australia declared 32% of the Great Barrier Reef closed to all extractive uses including fishing, and coral growth is already showing signs of recovery. We do need MPAs here too!

We shall follow the progress of the Bill with great interest. In the meantime the SNS is hoping to raise the profile of marine natural history in its activities in 2006. There are plans for a workshop on the theme of sand, and, possibly a population estimate of crabs based on the annual Walberswick crabbing contest for younger members.

***

It is good to learn that the United Nations’ biodiversity agency, the IUCN, is backing a plan to raise over £220 million to rescue the world’s amphibians from extinction. The money would pay for protection of habitats, for disease prevention measures and captive-breeding programmes, and for the ability to respond to emergencies. According to the Global Amphibian Assessment, a huge and authoritative study that reported its findings last year, up to a third of the 5,743 known species are at risk of extinction and at least 122 have died out in the last 25 years. How sad though, that man, whose abusive exploitation of the environment is the main reason behind the decline, yet again should try to solve a problem by throwing money at it instead of addressing the root cause. Let’s hope it’s not too little too late.

 

Major reasons for decline: -

• habitat loss and degradation
• climate change
• chemical contamination
• infectious disease, notably the fungal infection chytridiomycosis
• invasive species
• over-harvesting

 

*****