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Marine and coastal policy

Why seas and coasts matter

We work on a range of issues to protect and conserve the birds of our seas and coasts, and the wonderful marine environment on which they depend, from the impacts of human activities. More...

Manx shearwater skimming the waves

Fisheries

The fortunes of today's seabirds are tied up with fisheries more than any other human activity and fishing has been identified as the most widespread agent of change in global marine biodiversity. More...

Danish trawler fishing for sandeels, surrounded by gannets and kittewakes

Marine law and policy

Conservation of our marine environment and its wildlife traditionally lags far behind the protection that we give to our best or most endangered sites and species on land. We have been working on a whole range of marine legislation issues over the last few years to rectify this situation. More...

View of coastline showing rocky beach

Oil spills and pollution

Most pollution enters the sea via rivers from land-based sources such as factories. Oil pollution also comes from offshore oil and gas platforms and from ships. We work to reduce risks to seabirds from pollution, especially oil spills. More...

M V Braer wrecked at Garthness, Shetland

Protecting Europe's seas

We work hard to influence European policy and legislation to protect seabirds and their habitats. More...

Roseate tern pair performing courtship display

Saving seabirds in Scotland

Scotland's seas are truly extraordinary - they are home to half of Scotland's wildlife, and 45% of the EU's breeding seabirds. But what are we doing to help protect them? More...

Black guillemots perched on rock, RSPB North Hill reserve

Saving seabirds globally

Seabirds spend much of their lives travelling vast distances across the oceans, crossing many international boundaries. Their protection cannot therefore be tackled effectively by single nations alone - global solutions are needed. More...

Black-browed albatross

Ports

Ports are part of an integrated transport policy, but we believe that we need to find a way to manage their expansion without unsustainable costs to the environment. More...

Container port

Coastal management

Management decisions concerning flood and coastal defences can and do have an impact on important wildlife sites, not only through direct habitat loss, but also through coastal squeeze as a result of coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. More...

Freiston Shore - breaching of former outer sea wall

EU Life-Nature Saline Lagoons Project

The EU Life-Nature project is helping to conserve some of the highly specialised and threatened lagoon-dependent species. More...

EU LIFE

What can I do?

Our precious seas are dying from neglect. Getting the legislation is just the first stage in delivering better protection for marine wildlife and seabirds. Your support today will help safeguard our sea life.

What can I do?

Help us save the albatross