The WWF UK has raised concerns over the protection to vulnerable marine species and habitats after the unveiling of the first offshore Natura 2000 site. The European wide network of sites represent areas of the highest value for natural habitats and species of plants and animals which are endangered and vulnerable in the E.U.
The WWF is concerned that concentrating on small areas of ocean will not aid the bigger picture as much of the nation’s marine environment continues to remain exposed to overfishing and oil development. The European Union currently protects less than 1% of its oceans.
WWF UK Senior Marine Policy Officer, Natasha Barker, said –
The UK’s proposals are but a drop in the ocean and are insufficient to fully protect our seas and the rich biodiversity they support. We need the UK Government to fulfil its duty to create a network of marine protected areas, otherwise many marine species and habitats will remain at risk. Further sites are needed to contribute to the Natura 2000 network but we also need the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill to be strong enough to fill any gaps and ensure a healthy marine environment. WWF is calling for an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas which represents the full range of biodiversity in UK waters.
The WWF has proposed additional breeding grounds in both Scotland and England to support important populations such as the bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. These extra sites are even more vital now that the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill is currently making its way through Parliament.
