Why we need more ocean sanctuaries
An ocean sanctuary is a place (can be here or worldwide) kind of like a ‘Switzerland for the seas’. Fishing and hunting for any creature (like whales) is banned, as is polluting.
Of course litter and oil travels, so it’s not the complete answer. But it does mean protecting areas so numbers of fish and marine creatures can recover. They already exist many places worldwide.
But not yet in England. There is one in Scotland which took years of campaigning, against strong opposition by industry. Lamlash Bay in Scotland. Today no fish or shellfish can be taken from its waters or seabed.
This is not about destroying small fishing industries, but more about protecting oceans from over-fishing, by-catch, pollution and big business.
It would also protect say seagrass meadows, important habitats for endangered sea turtles and seahorses.
England does have some marine conservation zones. One is Lundy Island (just off Devon’s coast). Once it was over-fished, but now teems with grey seals, wild lobsters (who are not caught and boiled in pots) and colourful anemones. The clear waters have brought wild puffins back. And the island makes its money from ecotourism.
Read more about England’s other marine protection zones (good news!)
At present, just 1% of the world’s oceans are protected sanctuaries. Campaigners want this to be 40%
Thank God for EarthJustice, which has just won a legal case, after President Trump tried to roll back a protected ocean sanctuary in Hawaii, and restore commercial fishing for money. This area of 490,000 square miles of ocean contains coral reefs and seven wildlife refuges.
