Fact:

We have distributed over £4.7 million to a wide range of practical projects around the coast through the marine stewardship programme

Marine Stewardship Programme

The marine stewardship programme (MSP) supports a wide range of projects designed to involve communities, build partnerships and help develop good environmental practices around the coast of the UK. The programme also supports relevant scientific research that helps underpin our management of marine and coastal activities.

We have supported 48 community projects over the course of the year including the National Maritime Museum’s marine environment education initiative aimed at addressing climate change issues and the impact of local action on the wider environment to visiting school parties.

Another initiative is the ‘Fishing for Litter’ campaign. This campaign encourages fisherman to collect marine litter accumulating in their nets as part of their normal fishing activity. Once deposited on the quayside, the participating harbours monitor the waste before moving it to a dedicated skip for disposal.

At Dunwich Heath, a redundant World War II generator building was redeveloped into a cetacean (and other local wildlife) watching and recording centre in partnership with the National Trust and the Sea Watch Foundation. The site houses viewing equipment, identification charts and interactive activities on marine conservation.