The Irish Sea has the potential to be one of the most productive and wildlife rich places on earth.

Hidden beneath the surface are landscapes every bit as varied as those we see on land, with undersea cliffs, caves, valleys and mountains which are home to thousands of plants and animals from tiny anemones to the majestic basking shark.

For centuries our sea's riches have been taken for granted. Fragile habitats have been destroyed. Pollution, inappropriate fishing gear and the effects of climate change have had major detrimental impacts on our marine enviornment.

• Basking shark numbers have dropped by 95%
• The common skate is not so common, in fact it's on the brink of extinction!
• Corals, seahorses, dophins and seals have all been adversely affected.

Recovery

The Wildlife Trusts Living Seas vision is that wildlife thrives, from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows.

Our seas have a remarkable capacity to recover, but only if we give them the chance! The Wildlife Trusts have helped to secure the Marine and Coastal Access Act, which is great news.

We are acting as marine advocates for the Irish Sea

• Ensuring that the government's deadline for designating Marine Conservation Zones by the end of 2012 is met.
• Ensuring a network of protected areas in the Irish Sea is established with the needs of wildlife at the fore.

Our Vision

• Increase marine awareness. We have amazing wildlife in the Irish Sea, let's shout about it!
• Project the Irish Sea. We can help it recover through the designation of Marine Conservation Zones where wildlife can thrive.
• Engage the people of the North West. Let's delve deeper and find out more!

Together we can protect the Irish Sea for the future!

There are lots of ways you can become more involved with our work to protect the Irish Sea. Complete our form to let us know how you would like to get involved.

Photographs: Paul Naylor and Stephen Westcott