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Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wildplaces of Cumbria. The Trust stands up for wildlife, creates wildlife havens, and seeks to raise environmental awareness.
Charity no. 218711

Marine Bill Campaign

It's time to have your say and help protect our seas!
The Wildlife Trusts have launched a major, national campaign to help ensure a better future for the amazing wildlife that depends on our seas for survival.

Did you know that less than 0.001% of our seas is fully protected from damaging activities such as fishing and gravel-dredging? The Government is currently working on a Marine Bill which could bring in new laws to protect marine habitats and wildlife. Alternatively, the Marine Bill could end up helping the marine industries but doing very little to improve protection for wildlife. We need your help to convince Government to do the right thing, to ensure a healthy future for our seas. In particular, we want the Government to introduce Highly Protected Marine Reserves - areas of sea that are fully protected from harmful activities.

In July 2006 Ben Bradshaw, the Minister responsible for the Marine Bill, stated in a note to our supporters: "Your input will be crucial to realising the opportunity that a Marine Bill represents. That is why we welcome the efforts that The Wildlife Trusts and other organisations are making to raise awareness about what needs to be done and the work that Government is doing."

There are three ways in which you can support the campaign:

1. Write a letter or email to the Government. This is one of the most powerful ways to have your say. To help you, we have written a standard letter with instructions, plus a brief Supporters' Guide, telling you more about the Marine Bill Campaign.
2. Print out our Campaign Petition and encourage friends, family and colleagues to sign it.
3. Pin up copies of the campaign poster in your workplace, library and other public areas:
   'If only...' poster (English only).
   'Marine Reserves Now' poster (English only).

Marine Bill Consultation
From March to June 2006, the Government ran a public consultation on the proposed Marine Bill. The Wildlife Trusts' initial response was supportive overall, though we were critical of certain aspects. Our full response gave detailed feedback on all of the Government's proposals, from a marine planning to protected areas.

Ben Bradshaw, the Minister responsible for the Marine Bill issued a statement to The Wildlife Trusts and our supporters in July 2006, welcoming our campaigning activity.