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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.
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 UK’s marine biodiversity has received considerably less attention than its terrestrial counterpart, due in part to the vast area and the difficulties associated with adequately sampling its rich ecology.
The Marine and Coastal Access Bill received Royal Assent on 12 November.
Part 5 of the Act provides for a network of Marine Conservation Zones to be created that will protect representative, rare and threatened species and habitats. Four regional projects around the coast of England have started working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify proposals for Marine Conservation Zones. The Marine Act Pages contain further information on other provisions in the Act. Please see the Marine Conservation Zone pages for further information on Part 5 of the Act.
Latest news
- November 2009: Establishing a Marine Protected Area in the British Indian Ocean Territory - Foreign and Commonwealth Office consultation published. Closing date for comments - 12 February 2010.
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: 16 November 2009