UK and Overseas Territories governments announced plans to protect an additional two million square kilometres of ocean for future generations.
The Great British Oceans coalition (formerly Marine Reserves coalition), who lead the ‘Great British Oceans’ campaign, applauds this visionary and far reaching agreement that recognises the global importance of our marine wildlife.
The UK government will commit £20 million over four years to monitor, manage and enforce these protected areas from unsustainable and pirate fishing.
The Pitcairn Islands have now been designated as a fully-protected marine reserve. At least half of Ascension Islands’ territorial waters will be designated as a fully-protected reserve by 2019. Increased protection will be introduced with UK government support around St Helena in the South Atlantic (banning damaging fishing methods) and around Tristan da Cunha to better protect the extremely rich waters there.
Further information:
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office statement