[News] The Wildlife Trust calls to protect UK Coastlines

[DeeperBlue.com]

The Wildlife Trust is calling for various coastline sites of the UK to be protected as marine reserves. The Menai Strait between Anglesey and Gwynedd and Skomer Island off Pembrokeshire are two areas they say could benefit as fully protected zones, and 1...

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[Howard Steele]

The introduction of marine reserves in South Africa was a giant step in protecting certain areas from exploitation.I am a advocate for these reserves and enjoy the diving these areas.The benefit of these areas is obvious over time and as responsible Divers ,fishermen and collectors we have to realise certain areas have to be protected to prevent the marine environment.
Obviously at first all the affected parties were a little upset,spearo's fishermen and divers collection edible catch all had to give up some of their favourite haunts.But over time these demarcated areas revived and scuba divers delighted in the increase of fish and other marine life.
But the sad fact is that by creating areas with restrictions they have to be controlled and eventually those tasked with the management loose the plot.To scuba dive in these reserves you now need to purchase an annual permit,so all your recreational environment conscious divers carry permits,But because of their nature the reserves are targeted by poachers,sneak and grab artists who rape the coastline.
But guess what? who are policed?the easier targets the recreational scuba divers the authorities have all but announced their ineptness of controlling poachers .Its easier to collect revenue from legit divers and ignore the difficult problems,There is even talk of banning night diving.
But beware as a recreational scuba diver diving without a permit the fines are tough and you could even face jail time.