Marine ecologist, presenter and patron of Sea-Changers and Marine Life, Maya Plass, tells us why we should fight to protect our seas and support Marine Conservation Zones.
When I think about our seas I have a tidal wave of lovely memories that wash over me. I have spent so many happy days on the coast. Like so many of us the early memories started when I dipped my toes in the rockpools of the Kentish coast with my family. This then progressed to a full-time life on the north-west coast where I regularly explored the shorelines of Hilbre Island and stood in awe of the seals who would pop their heads up to seemingly investigate me.
I went on to study marine biology where I learned so many incredible stories of unbelievable life cycles and adaptations of creatures which are so often over looked, like the limpet. These incredible creatures are stuck on the rocks and may, to the unknowing eye, seem a little boring. They do get bored into by Dog Whelks but they are far from boring themselves.
UK seas are diverse and beautiful. Credit Maya Plass.
UK seas are diverse and beautiful.
They were in the news recently for having the strongest biological material ever tested. Their “teeth” on their “tongue” are stronger than spider webs! Limpets are the Geoff Capes (showing my age) of the seashore! They heroically fight starfish using the edge of their shell to defend themselves. They are able to graze their local rocky patch to feed on algae and always return to the very same spot on a rock. On this spot, they leave a scar where over tides and time they have worn a groove which they snugly sit in on the low tides. Here they patiently wait for the tide to return in their own small pool of cool water in their shell, clinging on so tightly that even the most ferocious of waves are unable to knock them from their place.
I love to share these stories, which yes are science, but we can explain them in a way which lights a little fire of enthusiasm in small minds. These little flames can be stoked and fed so that, over time, it becomes a burning, passionate fire which makes them fall forever in love with our seas. This is the power that science has when it is told correctly to listening ears. Education is so integral to conservation. If we can teach people about some of the amazing things that we discover in our seas we have their attention. As a result of that these individuals progress on a path which can ultimately lead to their supporting the conservation of our seas.
We are at a critical time with our seas. Here in the UK we are fighting for their protection. We need our seas for commercial fisheries, for the fun times, for the new medicines, for the oxygen we breathe and so much more. Our very small planet relies on our oceans to be healthy to survive. We need an “ecologically coherent network of marine conservation zones” to protect our seas from all the pressures that we place on it. I hesitate in typing that as I know it may mean that some are slowly switching off – please bear with me! This simply means that in the future we might be able to continue to share happy memories on the coast with our children.
Around our British Isles we need to create a patchwork of different habitats. This patchwork needs to include examples of every habitat that nurses or feeds commercial fish, that inspires young minds and protects humble creatures like the limpets as well as the migratory marine mammals and sea birds. Yes! We have dolphins and whales and huge sharks in our waters as well as coral reefs! UK seas are diverse, stunning and my very favourite playground.
This patchwork needs to be created by selecting the best sights according to science and the best information that we have at our fingertips. They shouldn’t be deselected because they are difficult to designate because of cost or conflict. Ultimately, the correct decisions can sustain our economy and society. That is worth fighting for.
I have a degree in marine science. I love diving and I am very passionate about our seas. I understand the value of science and policy. However, ultimately I am a mum and that is the main reason why I want to support Marine Conservation Zones. My daughter is 9 now and we often go snorkelling together in the summer.
My daughter discovering just how “beautiful” our seas are. Credit Maya Plass.
The very first time that I took her snorkelling off the Devon coast one August she snorkelled hand in hand with me and all I could hear as she snorkelled beside me was her repetitively bubbling through her snorkel, “Beautiful…beautiful…”
In time it seems that she might decide to join me diving too and I can’t wait to blow her mind when she might see a rocky cliff of brightly coloured Jewel Anemones. There are many reasons why I want to protect our seas but personally the priority for me is to ensure it remains “beautiful” for my daughter.
Please do get involved in the consultation process for Marine Conservation Zone designation. Your voice is important and needs to be heard.
