Why UK seas are so important
From sheltered sea lochs to wild open waters, from seaweed beds to deepwater coral – the UK’s coasts and seas truly are amazing.
Our seas are some of the hardest working in Europe. As well as being home to an amazing range of wildlife and environments they also support many important industries.
We might not always appreciate it, but we have a great variety of exciting sealife on our own doorstep – from dolphins, whales, sharks and seals to puffins, seahorses, and rare pink sea fans.
And of course our seas and coasts are vital for people and livelihoods too – not just our essential fishing industry but tourism, shipping and the growing renewable energy sector.
That’s why we’re working hard to tackle the threats facing our seas – like the growing demand for resources such as fish, increased shipping and pollution, and climate change. Join us and let's help protect our seas…
The UK seas
The seas provide different challenges to land when it comes to conservation. Water moves freely across borders and it is not enough to focus only on the UK seas.
We have to look at what is happening in our neighbouring seas too as what happens there directly affects the health of the UK seas.
Our work covers most areas of ocean surrounding the UK – from the Shetland Islands in the far north, down both the Atlantic and North Sea coasts, including Irish waters and part of the English Channel, all the way down to Brittany in north-west France. We also work closely with colleagues in neighbouring countries to ensure a joined-up approach.
About UK seas
Our work on UK and Celtic seas spans the coastlines and waters of the whole of the UK and Ireland – including big estuaries like the Shannon, Severn and Solway Firth – down to Brittany in north-west France, and parts of the open Atlantic and North Sea.
They include some of the most important fishing and shipping routes in Europe and beyond, and have huge wind, wave and tidal power potential.
But despite the importance of our seas, it has to be said they’ve not been managed very sustainably. Overuse and a lack of proper protection has caused environmental damage. Some vulnerable species like the harbour porpoise are now at risk.This also puts industries and peoples’ jobs at risk as a healthy economy needs healthy seas.
We’re working closely with all the people involved in using, regulating and protecting our seas – including government, scientists, industry and local communities.
We want to make sure the laws already passed – like the UK and Scottish Marine Acts – are put into practice effectively. So that we make sure our valuable marine industry has a sustainable future, and our seas are properly valued and looked after.
Find out about the UK SEAS project.