North Sea marine life is at risk from change in climate and plastic litter

May 12 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

DURHAM Wildlife Trust has warned that marine life off the North East coast is under threat from the problems of climate change and litter.

As the Government considers a Marine Bill to provide robust new conservation laws, the Trust has warned that marine life in the North Sea could change dramatically.

They are calling on the Government to move quickly to prevent rising levels of marine litter, particularly plastics.

Trust director Jim Cokill said: “We are worried about the future of some species that were once bountiful off the Durham coast. Our seas are still a rich area for wildlife but I suspect a lot of people do not realise how important they are.

“We do see the likes of minke and killer whales, three species of dolphin and porpoises, and leatherback turtles have been recorded in the North Sea.

“In addition, we do get basking sharks, which are truly spectacular.

“The Trust believes that the Government’s Marine Bill must enshrine the idea of protected nature reserves at sea to protect species which are highly susceptible to changes in the marine environment.”