Around half of the UK’s wildlife lives in the sea – from microscopic plankton to mighty whales – so there is lots to discover and celebrate this National Marine Week with The Wildlife Trusts!

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Here are the top 7 ways you explore and help protect our seas this summer!

 Learn about marine life nearest you

Our seas and coasts are some of the most diverse on earth. So why not swat up on some of the amazing marine wildlife found nearest you? Did you know the UK is home 28 species of dolphins and whales as well as the second biggest fish in the world; the basking shark?

Find your voice and speak up for our seas

With the click of a button, take action and join The Wildlife Trusts’ in calling on Government to introduce ‘Highly Protected Marine Areas’ to give our seas the strictest levels of environmental protection.

Sign [wtru.st/help-our-seas]here to find your voice for HPMAs

Care for the coast

Help our seas and wildlife by reducing, reusing and recycling your plastic appropriately. Plastic pollution often ends up in the sea and creates serious problems for marine wildlife. Be it through ingestion or entanglement, it will continue to kill our fish, seabirds, and seals unless we all work together to stop it in its tracks.

Enjoy some underwater TV time

Yes, that’s right, get out the popcorn and take in a marine wildlife show! There are loads of amazing online documentaries detailing our beautiful seas and oceans nowadays. The BBC’s Blue Planet, narrated by Sir David Attenborough is a ‘must see’, but there are many others online videos which will take you on an informative journey around this watery world we call earth.

Start off by watching The Wildlife Trusts video on what a marine protected area should look like.

Volunteer and help save our marine environment

Get involved with your nearest coastal Wildlife Trust and volunteer to carry out beach cleans or survey the fascinating marine wildlife found along our coasts and seas.

Don’t forget to join your local Wildlife Trust for more information on safe and socially distanced volunteering opportunities this summer. 

Share your passion

Spread the love and share your most amazing and memorable marine wildlife experiences this National Marine Week. Submit a photo, video, blog or drawing of your favourite encounter, to The Wildlife Trust before 9th July for a chance to win ‘The Essential Guide to Rockpooling’ book and a pair of Opticron binoculars!

Find out more about the ‘Marine Wildlife and Me’ competition.

Enjoy the benefits of the seaside!

Make time to be soothed by the sea! A recent Government report showed coastal environments can play a significant role in boosting human health and well-being. So next time you visit the seaside, breath deep and relax; let the coast and sea make you a happier and healthier person.