Happy New Year…and Happy “International Year of Biodiversity”!
Yes, that’s right, 2010 has been declared the “International Year of Biodiversity” by the United Nations! This is to raise awareness of the global problem of biodiversity loss caused by human activity, and to get the message across to governments and individuals that we rely on nature’s diversity for our own survival and we can all do our bit to help protect it.
Hundreds of organisations around the UK are helping to promote and celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity. Seasearch North East is proud to be one of them!
As divers, we’re lucky enough to see first-hand how diverse life beneath the waves can be. When you’re hovering over a wreck encrusted with sponges, sea squirts and anemones, teeming with crabs, prawns, fish and tiny colourful nudibranchs, the sheer variety of wildlife can be quite overwhelming.
However, many divers say that their favourite dive sites have become far less rich in wildlife over the years, and that once-common species such as the crayfish are now rarely seen. Activities such as commercial fishing, coastal development, pollution, shipping and aggregate extraction have all taken their toll on our marine wildlife, but thanks to the new Marine and Coastal Access Act a network of Marine Conservation Zones will be set up to protect biodiversity in our seas.
Information about marine wildlife and habitats gathered by Seasearch divers like you will help to decide where these Marine Conservation Zones should be set up. So, let’s celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity by visiting new sites, collecting lots of data…and having some fantastic dives!
For information about UK events
during the
International Year of Biodiversity,
