RECENT legislation gave much better protection to the wildlife in our countryside, but left most of the wildlife that lives in our seas without adequate protection.
The seas around our shores are home to an amazing amount of wildlife including dolphins, turtles, seals and even our own version of coral reefs.
Some species also include vitally-important fishing grounds, but at present over-fishing and pollution threaten many species.
We urgently need new laws to protect our marine wildlife. We need to establish marine nature reserves and no-fishing areas to allow our fish stocks to recover.
MPs will have chance to pass new legislation when the Marine Wildlife Conservation Bill is debated in parliament next month.
Please write to your MP and ask them to support this bill and ensure that our marine wildlife has a future.
Guy Wallbanks,
Co-ordinator,
York & Ryedale Friends of the Earth,
Kingsway West,
York.
Updated: 09:57 Wednesday, September 12, 2001
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