World Oceans Day 2021

Cherilyn Mackrory highlighted the importance of ocean protection for marine biodiversity, resilience to climate change, and mitigation. She discussed local efforts in her constituency such as regenerating seagrass beds off Flushing by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners. The MP welcomed UK leadership in international agreements and the £500 million blue planet fund. Concerning water quality, Mackrory supported commitments to reduce sewage discharges and improve river and ocean pollution. She also raised concerns about increasing ocean temperatures affecting marine life.

Deidre Brock highlighted the long-term impact of decisions on ocean health, touching on historical issues like dumped munitions and modern concerns such as shipping emissions. She praised Scotland's lead in marine protection measures but called for more action from the UK Government to meet its net-zero targets.

Jim Shannon, a keen conservationist and lover of nature, highlighted the importance of oceans in producing oxygen, hosting biodiversity, and providing protein for billions. He praised his local council's investment in sea bins to collect debris from the water surface, emphasizing that even small initiatives can contribute significantly if everyone participates. Shannon supported the Government's commitment to establish a £500 million blue planet fund using overseas development assistance.

McCarthy highlighted the increasing importance of World Oceans Day due to climate change and abuse of ocean resources. She endorsed blue carbon champions, WWF Ocean Hero campaign, and various environmental groups for their efforts in protecting oceans. She expressed concerns over deep-sea mining, marine protected areas that lack enforcement, and destructive practices such as over-fishing and bottom trawling. McCarthy also discussed the need for a ban on detonation of munitions and the adoption of less damaging deflagration techniques. She emphasized the importance of long-term thinking about ocean protection with regard to net zero emissions and blue carbon strategy.

The oceans cover 70% of the planet and absorb 25% of all CO2 emissions. Protecting them is crucial for climate change mitigation, including rewilding marine ecosystems which could lock away up to 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon annually. The UK has lost 90% of its seagrass meadows due to pollution, dredging and coastal development. There are concerns about the impact of overfishing and bottom trawling on ocean habitats and a need for an ambitious and detailed strategy for marine environment restoration.

Patricia Gibson highlighted the successful no-take zone established in Lamlash Bay, Scotland, which has transformed the local marine ecosystem. She raised concerns about declining shark populations due to practices like shark finning and stressed the need for alternatives to destructive activities such as sea blasts. She called for reducing human interference and allowing ecosystems to recover, emphasizing the importance of COP26 for global environmental issues.

Mr Aldous discussed the need for better governance and management of UK waters, highlighting five areas for improvement: reviewing marine governance arrangements to reduce bureaucracy, implementing a comprehensive marine planning system, integrating fisheries management with conservation efforts, managing the impact of displacement on fish stocks, and involving fishermen in decision-making processes.

Emphasised the importance of the sea in his personal life, highlighted the shift from seeing oceans as dumping grounds to recognising their fragility. Acknowledged the role of 'Blue Planet' in changing public perception about ocean conservation. Mentioned chairing the Ocean Conservation APPG and working with Surfers Against Sewage and Marine Conservation Society. Called for further progress on plastic waste reduction through a deposit return scheme, aiming for higher recycling rates. Urged for stronger legislation to address raw sewage discharge into seas.

The seas surrounding the UK have shaped our history and we have a responsibility to safeguard the marine environment. The Conservative Government has introduced measures like banning microbeads, implementing bag charges, and promoting deposit return schemes, but more needs to be done quickly on these initiatives.

Ms Antoniazzi praised the work done by individuals and community groups to keep beaches and seabeds clean, commended the Welsh Labour Government for their efforts, and called for a new mandate for marine strategy that focuses on action rather than indicators. She also supported the OceanHero programme and emphasised the need to address climate change impacts on our seas.

Healthy sea waters are crucial for local businesses such as fishing and tourism in Ynys Môn. Virginia Crosbie highlighted the importance of blue carbon, which is stored in marine environments like salt marshes, sand dunes, and seagrass. She called for protecting these areas to contribute towards net zero targets.