Two officers from the Sussex Wildlife Trust will travel by boat to Westminster on Wednesday (9/03/05) with wildlife campaigners from over 200 parliamentary constituencies to urge MP's to back new legislation to protect sea life.

Their actions highlight growing concern for the survival of marine wildlife threatened by inappropriate development, disturbance, pollution and damaging fishing practices.

Sussex waters host more than 50 per cent of the county's wildlife including dolphins, seals, seabirds and a host of marine invertebrates - yet existing laws are failing to protect sea life and vulnerable habitats from human activities.

Janyis Hyatt, the Trust's Conservation Officer and Anna-Marie Kyriacou, Volunteer Co-ordinator will meet MP's in the House of Commons to encourage them to fight for greater protection for the marine environment in Sussex and throughout the UK.

Wildlife and Countryside Link, the powerful alliance of conservation groups organising the lobby, fear that despite the Prime Minister's commitment last September to introduce a Marine Bill, the government will not give marine legislation the urgency it needs. All three major parties have pledged their support for marine legislation should they win the General Election expected this spring.

Janyis Hyatt said, 'Our seas are being damaged and exploited through unsustainable activities. Fishing and aggregate extraction have a direct impact on marine life but there are wider issues. A marine bill will enable us to manage this environment in ways that benefit industry and tourism as well as wildlife. It will also help us untangle the existing net of complicated regulations and legislation.

Press enquiries: Amanda Solomon, Press Officer, Sussex Wildlife Trust,
Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9SD.
Tel: 01273-492630 Email: amandasolomon@sussexwt.org.uk