Tidal wave of support for Marine Bill, says Stunell

12.31.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Aug 2007

Vital protection for our seas is the subject of the campaign launched today by local MP, Andrew Stunell. Together with the Wildlife Trust, Mr Stunell is collecting signatures to urge Gordon Brown to move the Marine Bill up the agenda in the next Parliament.

Commenting at the campaign launch, the MP for Hazel Grove said:

"It is critical that we act now to protect our seas not only for the creatures that live in them, but also for our future generations.

"The marine environment around the UK is one of the most biologically diverse on earth and extraordinarily rich in marine wildlife. We rely on it for food, transport, recreation, energy and climate regulation.

"Other countries have already created Marine Reserves. We must not miss this chance to catch up with the rest of the world.

"I am calling on local residents to join me in this campaign by adding their name to the 'petition fish' that I will be bringing back to Parliament later this year."

For more details residents should contact Mr Stunell's office on 0161 406 7070.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. At present less than 0.001% of our seas are protected by law.

2. 28 different species of whales and dolphins live in the waters surrounding the UK.

3. The Marine Bill White Paper proposes the following:

a. A new system of marine planning

b. A more efficient and transparent system for licensing marine activities

c. A Marine Management Organisation with wide-ranging functions

d. New mechanisms for conserving marine wildlife

e. Modernised inshore fisheries management.

4. The 'Petition Fish' are large, brightly coloured, plastic cut-outs, representing four charismatic or endangered UK fish (cod, triggerfish, wrasse and plaice). To support the petition, residents can sign one of the silver or gold self-adhesive scales which are available from Mr Stunell's office, which will then be attached to the fish and displayed at a cross party event in Parliament on October 10, 2007.

5. For further information about The Wildlife Trusts' Marine Bill Campaign, please go to wwww.wildlifetrusts.org or call us on 01636 677711.