'Time to protect our seas like we do our AONB's and national parks'
Campaigners want parts of Suffolk, the Wash, and North Norfolk to copy Plymouth Sound and become a national park.
Campaigners want parts of Suffolk, the Wash and North Norfolk to copy Plymouth Sound and become a national park.
The Blue Marine Foundation are calling for some underwater areas to get the same supports as places on land such as The Broads National Park.
Plymouth Sound self-declared its national marine park status in 2019 and is now being cited as a great example of efforts to protect Britain's unique marine environments.
The foundation would like to see more snorkeling trails, maybe underwater sculpture parks, easier access to water for swimmers and water users, more educational activities and projects to show those on land what is living in the local waters.
Natasha Bradshaw, who's involved in the campaign, told us it could help protect sea life and boost tourism.
She said: "It's 70 years since national parks on land were designed and we don't have any in the sea, yet we all love going to the beach and we look out to the lovely open blue space.
"Over the last few years people have generally understood a little but more about the sea but 70 years ago when national parks were created we didn't know as much about the sea as we do know.
"Within marine parks there would be marine protected areas, conservation zones, which are designated for their special habitats and species - and by promoting awareness of those special features people will understand and respect their local sea areas more.
"There will be more opportunities to engage with water-based activities, perhaps snorkelling trails."
The Blue Marine Foundation are currently starting discussions across the UK in areas where they would like to see more protections.
• Dorset, Solent and the Isle of Wight to Sussex
• London Gateway, North Kent & South Essex
• Suffolk, The Wash & North Norfolk
• Tyne to Tees Seascape, Northumberland and Berwickshire
• Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel
• The Isles of Scilly
• Pembrokeshire
• Argyll Coast & Islands
• Jersey
For more about the campaign click here.
For more about the blue marine foundation click here.