Natural England is involved in a variety of work at our coasts and seas to conserve and enhance the marine and coastal environment, in order to promote its sustainable use and opportunities for public enjoyment.
England is fortunate to have such a rich coastal and marine heritage. Its coastline is made up of a wide range of coastal and marine ecosystems that give a remarkable biodiversity. Differences in geology, wave exposure and tidal currents, along with the climatic variations throughout England, combine to produce a ‘mosaic’ of wildlife habitats.
Healthy coastal and marine environments are crucial to our quality of life. Our seas drive coastal change, provide valuable food resources and are a place for inspiration, enjoyment and recreation. However, our seas and coasts are vulnerable and our activities can severely affect the ways in which they function. For example, salt marshes in the major estuaries of eastern and north-west England have been lost because of coastal squeeze. Over-fishing has resulted in the decline of fish stocks as well as having significantly degraded marine biodiversity.
Natural England works throughout England with local authorities, landowners, Sea Fisheries Committees, and other agencies and bodies to conserve coastal and marine species and habitats. Regional staff work to inform regional policy and decision-making and also participate in regional initiatives. National staff co-ordinate work that includes science and evidence gathering and influencing policy and decision-makers.
Natural England plans to raise awareness of the importance of healthy seas and their value to wildlife, people and the economy. We are looking for partners to help us develop and deliver a campaign for marine conservation.
MSC Napoli grounding, January 2007
Following the grounding of MSC Napoli on Branscombe beach in January 2007, we commissioned surveys to investigate the environmental impact caused to the seabird community and benthic environment in Lyme Bay:
- Benthic survey of reefs East of The Napoli
[194 kB] - Seasearch Surveys in Lyme Bay June 2007 [1.1 MB]
- Post-mortem analysis of bird corpses from the grounding of the MSC Napoli [360 kB]