Marine biodiversity
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.
The Marine and Coastal Access BillThe Marine and Coastal Access Bill had its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 15 December 2008 and started its Committee stages on 12 January 2009. The Bill contains various proposals which will help us to better protect marine ecosystems, and stem the decline in marine biodiversity. Part 5 provides for the designation and protection of Marine Conservation Zones but other Parts of the Bill are also relevant. We have produced a non-technical leaflet on ‘Protecting our marine environment through the Marine Bill’. [PDF] (1.42 MB). More information on the draft Bill, including the accompanying Policy Paper and Impact Assessment, is available on Marine and Coastal Access Bill pages. More specific information is also available on what the Marine and Coastal Access Bill means for marine nature conservation. |
Latest updates
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 March 2009