BSAC is campaigning with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) for the creation of marine reserves in UK seas. The "Marine Reserves Now!" partnership will be launched at the London International Dive Show, over the weekend of the 10th and 11th March 2007.

BSAC Chairman Marcus Allen says, “Divers are uniquely placed to appreciate and benefit from the establishment of marine reserves. We see first hand how the environment is changing and how protection really can make a difference. I hope every diver, not just BSAC divers, will get behind this campaign.”

“We have to use this opportunity to safeguard our sealife so much better, with a marine bill being drafted by Government, and public support for protection of the sea at an all time high,” says Melissa Moore, Senior Policy Officer at the Marine Conservation Society.

MCS and BSAC believe that the Marine Bill must introduce a series of Highly Protected Marine Reserves, areas of the sea where no fishing or extractive industries are permitted. MCS and BSAC are campaigning to have a network of these vital marine reserves created – where our precious marine heritage and wildlife will be safe from harm, and given room to recover from decades of exploitation. The UK falls far behind international action on this issue with only one tiny area (at Lundy Island – 3.3km2) covering 0.02% of our inshore waters fully protected.

MCS and other environmental organisations have campaigned for a Marine Bill for over six years. A bill is presently being drafted by Government, but there are real concerns that environmental protection may not be significantly progressed by the Bill.

You can vote right now for marine reserves at www.marinereservesnow.org.uk

Kate Humble supports the campaign - see http://www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/marinereserves/marine+reserves+now