A WWF report out yesterday identifies the key UK marine locations in need of protection.
The report ‘Marine Biodiversity Hotspots in the UK: their identification and protection’ was produced with WWF by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) to identify 'Marine Biodiversity Hotspots' in UK waters, and examine threats to these habitats.
Hotspots were chosen for their diverse populations of wildlife and habitat richness that include representative, rare and threatened species. This is the first time hotspots have been identified at sea and in the UK.
Kate Reeves, WWF Marine Policy Officer explains: "Our seas are becoming busier than ever before due to an increase in human activities threatening the marine environment, from fishing and shipping to dredging and wind farms. By being better managed, these pressures would be alleviated if the UK government introduces a long awaited, robust Marine Act with a new integrated marine planning system.”
The five 'Hotspots' identified in the report are Plymouth Sound in South Devon, The Blackwater Estuary in Essex, The Dogger Bank in the Southern North Sea, Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland and The Menai Straight in Wales. Some of the nationally important features identified in these locations include the rare fan mussels, cold water corals, the grey seal, fireworks anemone, saltmarshes, branching sponges and killer whale.
The full report can be downloaded at http://www.wwf.org.uk/news/n_0000003424.asp
