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Marine and fisheries

Marine biodiversity

'Brittlestars and other marine fauna' Derek Ratcliffe © English Nature

In its most simple form, biodiversity is life on earth and refers to the variety of life forms including plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes that they contain and the ecosystems that they form.

The marine environment has received much less attention than its terrestrial counterpart in the area of biodiversity probably because of its vast nature and the difficulties in sampling it.

As an island nation, the UK boasts around 7500 miles of coastline and a wealth of marine biodiversity ranging from basking sharks to colourful sponges and cold water corals.

Special Area of Conservation consultation

Seven new MPAs to be considered - the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)  is consulting on the protection of 7 offshore areas as Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive. These areas are located all around the UK and cover nearly 4000 square miles of sea, please see the map [JPG file, 243 KB] for their location. Further details on the consultation can be found on the JNCC website at:http://www.jncc.gov.uk/marineconsult

Latest news

  • Defra has recently published two research projects to quantify in monetary terms the costs and benefits of the nature conservation proposals in the Marine Bill. These can be accessed through our Marine Bill page
  • The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations have been laid before Parliament. The Regulations are being made at the same time as The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.|) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Both came into force on 21 August 2007. For more information see the Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations page, the European Union Birds and Habitats Directive page and our latest press release.
  • Team of European scientists explore the deep underwater canyons at the edge of the continental shelf. [Further information]

Older marine biodiversity news entries

Marine nature conservation

Marine biodiversity provides us with a range of goods and services. It regulates the earth's climate, is important for nutrient cycling, recreation, and provides raw materials such as oil and gas, aggregates and a food source. It is the biodiversity in our seas that play an important role in the delivery of many of these goods and services.

Defra is committed to the conservation of marine biodiversity. Given the ever increasing pressures on our biodiversity, we champion the sustainable use of natural resources, now and for future generations.

As our understanding of marine biodiversity improves, our management approaches will change. We have developed policies to protect threatened species and communities, and the functioning of our marine ecosystems. Together this will help to ensure our marine biodiversity is resilient and diverse.

Marine nature conservation sections:

Contact us:

Marine Biodiversity Team
Wildlife Habitats and Biodiversity
Defra
Zone 1/05, Temple Quay House
2, The Square, Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6EB

Email: marinebiodiversity@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: 03 January 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs