Save Our Seas this Marine Fortnight - 4th-19th August 2007

19th July 2007

With the summer holidays here, many of us will be heading down to the coast to soak up the sea air this August.  To make your trip to the seaside even more enjoyable, why not go along to one of the many events being organised as part of ‘Marine Fortnight 2007’.  Marine Fortnight, supported by the National Marine Aquarium, Fal River Links and HSBC, is Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s annual celebration of the marine environment and is set to be bigger than ever this year.

Cornwall is home to an amazing array of marine life from delicate fan corals to enormous fin whales!  So why not take time out this week to remember what the sea means to you.  There are a whole range of events suitable for all ages including rockpool rambles and snorkelling safaris, evening talks and boat trips to spot dolphins and basking sharks.

During each event you will have the opportunity to help save our seas by signing our Petition Fish.  Joana Doyle, Marine Conservation Officer explained, “Throughout the summer, hundreds of Petition Fish will be taken to Wildlife Trust events around the country so that the public can sign the scales to show their support for protecting the marine environment through the Marine Bill.  The Wildlife Trusts’ Petition Fish will help keep the Marine Bill in the public eye and make sure it gets onto the statute book.”

The UK’s seas are extraordinarily rich in wildlife, harbouring more than 44,000 animal and plant species but sadly, less than 0.001% of our marine environment is fully protected from damaging activities such as destructive fishing practices and coastal development.  The Government is currently working on a Marine Bill, which could bring in new laws to protect marine habitats and wildlife.  However, we need your help to put pressure on the Government to ensure that the Marine Bill provides the protection that our marine wildlife really needs.  Please join us in celebrating our marine life and helping us ensure it has a future.”

There is something for everyone this year wherever you are, so come and join the fun! Events include:

• Atlantic Adventure Ocean Wildlife Rides every day between the 4th August -19th August with Elemental Tours at Albert Pier, Penzance Harbour.
• Rockpool Roadshow 4th August 10.30am-12.30pm, Allet nr Truro.

• Seashore Safari 5th August 1pm 3pm, Portwrinkle.
• Sub-aqua explorers 8th & 9th August 10am to 12pm, Portwrinkle or Cawsand.
• Life in the Seas talk 9th August 7.30pm, Falmouth.
• Marine themed pirate treasure hunt 11th August 11am to 12.30pm, Par Beach.
• Rockpool Ramble 12th August 10.30am to 12.30pm, Penzance.
• Seashore Safari 14th August 1pm-3pm, Portwrinkle.
• SOS- Whale and Dolphin Rescue 15th August 2.30pm to 4pm, Porthtowan.
• Rockpool Ramble & Colouring Competition 16th August 2-4pm, Newquay.
• Whale and Dolphin Watch 19th August 10am to 12pm, St. Ives.

Booking is essential for all of these events.  For further details of these events and for information on how to book please visit the events pages of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s website www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk  or call Joana on 01872 273939 ext 207.