European marine experts gathered in London today for a two-day conference to share best practice for international marine protected areas. Hosted by Natural England, the conference is called ‘Sea change: securing a future for Europe’s seas’.
Dr Helen Phillips, Natural England’s Chief Executive, said: “While important progress has been made in the protection of the marine environment in recent years – most recently through the UK’s new Marine and Coastal Access Act – the environmental and human pressures on Europe’s seas are immense. Ensuring that Europe’s marine protected areas can function as an ecologically-coherent network is the key to successful, long-term protection of our marine wildlife and habitats. Natural England is delighted to welcome so many of Europe’s and America’s marine experts here for the next two days and, through sharing best practice and best science, we look forward to identifying solutions that can benefit both people and our ocean’s wildlife.”
