Weston MP calls for UK to better protect oceans

Weston-Super-Mare’s MP John Penrose has called upon the UK Government to become a world leader in protecting the oceans by committing to protecting the largest marine reserve in the Atlantic.

In particular, the area around the incredible South Sandwich Islands, which is home to a huge array of whales, fish, birds, seals and over 10% of the world’s penguins.

John has told the Government to take advantage of advancements in satellite technology and developments in international law, which mean it’s now possible to monitor and protect vast areas of ocean with ever greater effectiveness and lower cost.

The #BackTheBlueBelt campaign, which John has backed, supports the Government on its promise to create more protected areas in a number of Britain’s Overseas Territories; essentially a “Blue Belt” of marine protection.

Each new area will add to the massive 830,000 sq km site in the Pacific, around the Pitcairn Islands; one of the largest marine reserves in the world – more than three times the size of the UK.

John said:

“Who would have thought so many of the world’s penguins are British!?”

“With Blue Planet II having just blown us all away with the beauty and fragility of our oceans, the UK Government has a real opportunity to stand up and lead the world in this area.”

“We are incredibly lucky in the UK to be the stewards of some of the most pristine places left in the global ocean, thanks to our Overseas Territories and I’m delighted to support this campaign to protect these special places.”

“At 500,000 sq km, the South Sandwich Islands reserve will be twice the size of the UK and will protect one of the last great wild places left on Earth”.

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