The UK’s coalition government promised an "ecologically coherent network of marine conservation zones" by 2012. The promise has not been kept, and the excuse that there is not enough scientific data to get started is as thin as it sounds. According to marine scientists, Britain’s coastal habitats have been extremely well studied. The only thing stopping the plan is political inertia.
Protected areas are essential not only to preserve irreplaceable ecosystems and the wildlife they contain, but also to keep the fishing industry alive. Without protection from overfishing and habitat destruction, sooner or later there will be no seafood left. But this has still not made our government step up and take notice.
The potential loss of wildlife, livelihoods and jobs is not a trivial matter to be put on the back burner; it is of enormous importance.
Tell Cameron and Clegg to keep their promise and get the marine reserves plan back on track as a matter of urgency.
We the undersigned ask that you keep your pledge to protect the UK's coastal habitats, fish stocks and wildlife. There is no reason for the marine reserves plan not going ahead, least of all a lack of scientific data. Aside from the importance of protecting marine biodiversity, there are pressing economic and social reasons to look after the country’s marine resources and little excuse not to.
We ask that you do not break yet another promise, especially one as important as this. Please get the marine reserves plan back on track as a matter of urgency.
