The hustle and bustle of a seabird colony gives the first hint as to just how important the UK's seas are to marine wildlife.
The seas surrounding our islands support almost half of all UK wildlife. Our waters provide rich feeding grounds for millions of seabirds with hungry chicks to feed. Basking sharks, playful dolphins, and seahorses glide gracefully under the water. But, they're all in trouble.
With the support of people like you, we've fought for years for better protection for our seas. In 2009 and 2010, thanks to those efforts, new laws were passed to protect the marine environment, including powers to create a national network of protected areas around the UK's seas and coasts.
We've been calling for this network to be put in place as soon as possible, and for it to protect the full diversity of the marine environment and its unique wildlife, including seabirds.
However, initial delight has quickly turned to despair. Current proposals to create marine protected areas in the waters of each country offer almost no protection for seabirds, they're not located in the most important areas for marine wildlife, and their designation continues to be delayed, bringing uncertainty for everyone and risking further environmental damage.
Please help us make sure vulnerable seabirds get the full protection they deserve.
Due to devolution, each country is at a different stage in the process of protecting our marine environment. Check below for all current actions. And even if there isn't one specifically for where you live, your support will still make a big difference.
Time is running out for the seas around Northern Ireland. Help create a long-term future for our seas and join us in calling on the Executive to give the green light to the long-awaited and long overdue Northern Ireland Marine Bill.
This action is only open to residents of Northern Ireland.
E-mail your local MLA now
Help fund the urgent work needed to protect our wonderful sealife. Your donation, however much you can afford, will make a huge difference to our sealife
Single donation
Give a regular monthly donation and become a Sealife Guardian
Regular donation
Show us your photos of the UK's beautiful coastline and its wildlife
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