News
MCS welcomes Marine Protection Review
The UK’s leading marine conservation charity has welcomed the Environment Secretary’s decision to launch an independent review to consider whether Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) would add further protections to the seas around England and Northern Ireland.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has long called for HPMAs to be designated to offer additional protections for the marine environment.
Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery for MCS said: “We welcome this announcement from the Secretary of State, and this level of commitment is long overdue. There have been other reviews of the potential for HPMAs so this one must result in action. Highly protected sites are known to be the most effective tool for marine wildlife recovery, and new sites in our waters would provide significant benefits for our threatened marine species and habitats.
In the first instance, we should prioritise implementing large offshore HPMAs in UK’s waters. These would protect critical habitat for commercial fish stocks, and endangered species such as common skate, halibut and angelshark. These sites are used by fewer stakeholder groups than inshore waters, so the benefits vastly outweigh the impacts.
Inshore HPMA sites should be community-led and need extensive discussion with those that use them – for instance Lamlash Bay, on Arran, took 13 years of discussion before it was implemented – and consequently is a highly effective and successful HPMA, with recovering biodiversity and local ownership and support.”
MCS welcomes the opportunity to input to the new review and the appointment of Richard Benyon MP, who has been a champion for marine protection, including HPMAs in our Overseas Territories, for many years.
Last week, Defra announced 41 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in English and Northern Irish waters.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, Principle Specialist in MPAs at MCS, added: “All existing offshore MPAs should be considered for designation as HPMAs, where all activities like dredging, bottom-towed trawling and marine industry are kept out and species of commercially important fish, and the habitats they depend on, can properly recover and flourish.
Highly Protected Marine Areas are an important element of a protection network as they allow the rewilding of our seabed. HPMAs are good for carbon sequestration through the recovery of shellfish beds and other habitats, helping us mitigate against the threat of climate catastrophe.”
For more information about the Marine Conservation Society visit their website by clicking here.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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