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.
MCZ Science Advisory Panel recruitmentOn 1st July, we will start the process for advertising and recruiting 8 panel members and a chair to comprise the Science Advisory Panel (SAP). This will be an advisory non-departmental public body that will support the four regional Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) projects in selecting MCZs under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. The advert will appear in the Guardian on 1st July, followed by the New Scientist on 2nd July, and the Sunday Times on 5th July. It will also appear on the Coastal Management for Sustainability (CMS) website and the Public Appointments website from 1st July. If you are aware of possible candidates for these roles then I would be grateful if you could draw their attention to the advertising schedule as laid out above. For more information contact Ashley Smith on (0117) 372 8335 or email, ashley.smith@defra.gsi.gov.uk. |
Latest updates
- 13 May 2009: Draft guidance on SSSIs and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in the subtidal area (Note 4) published.
- 13 May 2009: An Illustration of a network of marine protected areas under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill (PDF 1MB) published
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: 29 June 2009