Q&A: Britain's lost marine megafauna
Efforts to bring back our marine giants must start with new laws to rebuild a healthy ecosystem, says The Wildlife Trusts’ Lisa Chilton.
Can we really bring back huge whales, dolphins and sharks?
Ecologically it is possible, but it’s a huge international challenge. Many of these species range over great distances and the effects of climate change are hard to predict. But if we can provide the right conditions, there is a chance that, given time, we could see at least some of them again.
What would it take to do that?
We’d have to change the way we think about our sea, and what it is for. The crucial tools would be Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fisheries controls and specific protection for individual species. The planning and licensing of marine industry would also need to work around these species’ needs.
Most big marine animals are migratory, so how could a specifically protected area help?
It’s true that an MPA can only offer protection for part of a journey or lifecycle. If we can identify important areas – for example, where animals gather to feed, breed or socialise – then an MPA gives it a chance, but only if it offers real protection.
Do we have anything like this now?
The two existing MPAs for megafauna are the European Marine Sites in Cardigan Bay and the Moray Firth, which are home to the UK’s largest remaining populations of bottlenose dolphin. Both have recently been earmarked for oil and gas exploration. Cardigan Bay’s MPA appears to have gained a reprieve for now, but the Moray Firth dolphins are still under immediate threat. We need effective MPAs, not just ‘paper parks’.
Surely that has to improve?
As Callum Roberts suggests, we really need marine reserves – MPAs which are fully protected from all damaging activities. To do that we need the forthcoming Marine Bill to succeed. That way we could offer the highest level of protection to the most important areas for large species. More importantly, a comprehensive network of marine reserves and other MPAs would help rebuild a healthy ecosystem, without which our megafauna stands no hope of recovery. Our recent report on marine reserves lists 15 wildlife-rich sites around the UK, from Rathlin Island to the Dogger Bank.
How much sea should be protected?
We feel that going into debate about percentages could threaten the entire Marine Bill. Our priority is to create MPAs that Natural England and other agencies can identify according to ecological need, and not economics.
So there’s uncertainty about the Marine Bill?
It’s critical that it becomes law without being watered down. As well as bringing in new MPA laws, the Bill must strengthen the management of inshore fisheries (including powers to protect wildlife), and create an integrated marine planning system. Our megafauna doesn’t recognise national boundaries, so new international law and policy will also be essential.
What can I do to help?
Support our Marine Bill campaign!
