Pets&Wildlife SAVE OUR SEAS

From 22nd July to 6th August the combined Wildlife Trusts for our patch are marking National Marine Week with action and advice to help us all keep our seas clean

Beneath the shimmering surface of our oceans lies an enchanting world, teeming with creatures and awe-inspiring ecosystems. In July, nature enthusiasts and conservationists eagerly anticipate the Wildlife Trusts’ National Marine Week – an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on our remarkable marine biodiversity. With a wide range of engaging activities and events, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans and inspire individuals to become guardians of the marine environment. During National Marine Week, the Wildlife Trusts invite individuals of all ages to delve into the secrets of our marine world. From coastal walks and rock-pool rambles to snorkelling adventures and marine-themed workshops, there is something for everyone. Expert guides accompany participants, unveiling the hidden treasures beneath the waves. Discover vibrant seaweeds, encounter fascinating marine invertebrates, and learn about the extraordinary adaptations that enable creatures to survive in this environment.

Marine message

While National Marine Week is a time for celebration, it also carries a crucial message of conservation. The event provides a platform for raising awareness about the pressing issues facing our oceans, such as plastic pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction. Through interactive presentations and educational sessions, participants gain insights into the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. They are encouraged to make sustainable choices in their daily lives and join local initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring coastal habitats, ensuring a brighter future for our oceans.

National Marine Week sparks a sense of wonder and ignites a passion for marine conservation in people of all ages. Through engaging and immersive experiences, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the marine world’s beauty and fragility. Children especially are captivated by marinethemed story sessions, art and crafts, and encounters with marine life. By fostering a connection between young minds and the ocean, the Wildlife Trusts nurture a generation of ocean advocates and inspire future marine scientists, environmentalists and conservation leaders. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join a litter pick or beach clean

Every year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of litter enters the world’s oceans. Plastic poses the biggest threat to marine wildlife as it doesn’t just disappear, it simply breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, and has detrimental effects on food chains, working its way up from the tiniest plankton into the bodies of sharks, whales and dolphins. It’s not just our marine life at risk. Mammals like hedgehogs and birds like swans suffer injuries as a result of getting caught in waste.

Try to conserve water

Encounter fascinating creatrures and learn how they adapt

If we all do our part in saving precious water supplies, we can make a huge difference for the environment. The average person uses around 140 litres of water a day, but huge water deficits are on track to occur by the 2080s, so we need to start cutting down. Water conservation means using water wisely and not contributing to unnecessary wastage. Conserving water saves energy too Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint.

Try to use less plastic

Plastic waste and its damaging effect on our natural world has been big news recently. Aside from the dangers of becoming trapped or injured, animals often ingest plastic fragments, with the potential to build up in the bodies of animals right up the food chain – from microscopic animals up to large predators, including us! Find out how you can take part at www.wildlifetrusts.org/national-marine-week