Hidden below the surface, ocean sanctuaries are simply put, areas of the seas worldwide that nobody ‘owns’ and all creatures (from fish to marine creatures) are safe. Obviously pollution and litter travels. But by-catch fishermen, bottom trawlers and pollution (oil or noise) are not allowed.
Ocean sanctuaries not only help us to live in better balance with the sea, but gives threatened species (like whales and sea turtles) space and safety to recover.
What Are Ocean Sanctuaries?
Ocean sanctuaries are special places in our seas set aside to protect nature. Governments choose these spots, placing rules to control fishing, shipping, or damaging activity. In the UK, you’ll hear them called Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or marine reserves.
There are different levels of protection:
- Marine reserves often ban all fishing and resource removal.
- Marine conservation zones allow some use, but limit anything that could harm wildlife.
Legally, these areas carry weight. Breaking the rules can lead to steep fines. Ecologically, they’re lifelines for fish, seabirds, seagrass meadows (home to sea turtles and seahorses – both endangered) and endangered coral reefs. Some sanctuaries focus on single habitats, while others guard whole stretches of coastline.
Protecting Biodiversity in English Waters
Our coastlines hold rare and iconic species. In protected areas, seals rest undisturbed, porpoises swim free, and ancient kelp forests thrive.
Rare seahorses, soft corals, and even basking sharks need safe zones to avoid nets and pollution. Without sanctuaries, we’d lose the colour and life that make our seas special.
Effective Ocean Sanctuaries in England
Sightings of whales, clear water, and the quick return of sea life prove that sanctuaries are working.
Lundy Marine Conservation Zone
Lundy Island off Devon was England’s first marine reserve. Once overfished, it now teems with grey seals, lobsters, and colourful anemones. Clearer water has brought puffins back, drawing eco-tourists each year.
Northumberland Coast: A Model for Conservation
The Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast is a haven for seabirds and rare reefs. Strict rules protect seabed habitats and safeguard nursery grounds for fish. Local guides say this sea is like ‘an underwater garden’, proof that strong protection works.
Scotland’s Lamlash Bay was the UK’s first ocean sanctuary (just 1 square mil, it took 13 years of local campaigning to create it, showing the opposition at hand). Nothing is allowed to be taken here, leaving octopus, scallops and fish to live amid the maerl (a unique seaweed that grows here).
At present, just 1% of the world’s oceans are protected sanctuaries. Campaigners want this to be 40%
Challenges Facing Ocean Sanctuaries
Ocean sanctuaries face big threats, even with solid rules.
Addressing Illegal Fishing
Despite bans, some still fish in off-limits areas, harming wildlife. Stronger patrols, better tracking, and harsh penalties help, but illegal fishing remains a challenge.
Combatting Plastic and Chemical Pollution
Rubbish and chemicals enter the sea from land. Even the most remote sanctuaries collect litter. Sea turtles, birds, and fish often eat plastic or get tangled. Tackling this means cleaning up our beaches and cutting waste at the source.
Lessons (not learned) from the Pandemic
During the pandemic, one sea in the Mediterranean went quiet. After lockdown ended, nobody knew why local orcas (killer whales) were ramming and sinking the boats.
But some marine biologists believed they were annoyed that the fishing had come back, after a year or two of quiet and having their seas restocked with food.
I would like to tell you a few things about this virus and the lessons it should teach us. I would like to say: fish have returned to the Venetian canals, now that humans have stopped polluting them. Nature recovers swiftly, when stop our plundering of Her bounty. Paul Kingsnorth
Wonders of the Ocean Realm
Wonders of the Ocean Realm is a unique book for children. Not only does it portray five realistic stories of marine creatures, but it’s co-written by two devout Christians (one a marine biologist) to combine their faith with teaching of marine creature welfare.
Suitable for children age 8 to 12, readers will travel from the sun-soaked tidepools of Hawaii to the wide expanse of Atlantic waters to meet:
- Astrid (the vibrant colourful sea star)
- Maximus (a powerful peacock mantis shrimp)
- Dexter (a clever mimic octopus)
- Wendell (a massive humpback whale)
- Luna (a mysterious deep-sea anglerfish)
While enjoying captivating tales, readers will explore each ocean creature’s life cycle, habits and environment. Plus enjoy fascinating scientific truths about God’s incredible underwater world!
With stunning colour art on each page, the Deep Sea Dive explores faith themes in each creature’s story.
