Natural England

A state of the art underwater video camera is monitoring the Sussex seabed and giving a fascinating new insight into sub aqua activities, thanks to funding from Natural England. The new hi-tech camera, used by the Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee on their regular patrols, has already provided incredibly clear footage of movements of sea life and variations in seabed type to help inform fishery policy about the conservation of important and rare habitats.

Natural England, the Government's environmental advisor, funded the camera because of its importance in adding to the body of knowledge needed to help to recover, protect and enhance the marine environment, a subject under discussion at this week’s international conference on Marine Protected Areas in Scarborough on 2-3 October.

Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “England is fortunate to have such a rich marine heritage and it is vital that action is taken to improve the health of our coasts and seas for the benefit of wildlife and the communities whose livelihoods depend upon it.

“We hope the Government will now bring forward a Marine Bill to deliver a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas and much-needed better protection for our precious marine environment.”

Natural England’s conference provides a unique opportunity for people with an interest in marine conservation to share their knowledge and experience of marine management - to help conserve and recover our marine life, now and for the future.

Alan Law, Natural England’s South East Regional Director added: “This camera provides a unique insight into underwater life off the Sussex Coast. I am delighted that we are working in partnership with the Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee in gathering data which will be vital in helping to realise Natural England’s vision for clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas and oceans.”

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For information about the event, or for interviews with Dr Helen Phillips, speakers and scientists (including Dan Laffoley - Natural England specialist and IUCN Vice Chair MPA Programme) please contact the Natural England press office on:

Telephone: 0845 603 9953, or out of hours 07970 098005 Email: press.office@naturalengland.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. ‘Towards a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas’ The Marine Protected Areas Conference aims is to bring together those involved in management, designation, science and policy development of MPAs. Delegates will be able to share information and learn about the latest MPA science, good practice and policies from speakers from the UK and overseas as we look towards achieving our MPA targets.

Speakers at the conference include:

• Mark Duffy, Natural England
• Professor Steve Gaines, University of California
• Jean-Luc Solandt, Marine Conservation Society
• Jochen Krause, Bundesamt fur Naturschutz. (Germany)
• Barry Deas CEO for the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations

3. Natural England's Marine Campaign: England has some of the finest marine wildlife in Europe, with dramatic underwater habitats and landscapes, and over 10,000 types of plant and animal. In England you are never more than 70 miles from the sea and we took 20 million seaside holidays in England in 2003.

4. Our seas provide over £500 million worth of commercial fish each year supporting an industry worth around £1 billion, but around 70% of fish stocks are over-fished and some fishing practices damage wildlife and habitats. Marine Protected Areas can help marine wildlife recover from damaging activities. Natural England plans to campaign to raise awareness of the importance of healthy seas and their value to wildlife, people and the economy.