Plymouth is to create the UK’s first ever National Marine Park.
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will showcase to the world the unique assets that Britain’s Ocean City has to offer, including an estimated 1,000 different species of marine life. It will also help boost the economy, attract more visitors and attract funding for research.
City leaders, marine and maritime sector experts and other partners have committed their support to make the National Marine Park happen.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, said: “We want to be the UK’s first ever National Marine Park and it is fantastic that so many partners are getting on board. In recent months we’ve developed some amazing national relationships and engaged with partners and local families via a series of events which has already demonstrated our support for this important project."
Lewis Pugh, UN Patron of the Oceans, said: “In the past Plymouth launched many great voyages that changed the history of the world. It is my hope that, in the future, people will look back at Plymouth as the ocean innovator that set the standard for National Marine Parks in Britain and across the globe.
"I am particularly proud to see Plymouth leading the charge on ocean protection with this important National Marine Park initiative.”
The Government has also given their backing . Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said: “Our seas provide great economic opportunities for our world-leading marine sector but they also need our protection.
“I wholeheartedly support the creation of the first National Marine Park, backed by £70,000 of government funding.
“This local initiative shows how communities can come together to protect our marine environments whilst developing their economic potential for the industries that rely on them."
Charles Clover, Executive Director of the Blue Marine Foundation, said: “Ours is a great maritime nation which tends to forget its links to the sea. There is nowhere better to rediscover them than in Plymouth Sound, the departure point for so many historic voyages and a natural harbour of great beauty, above and below water. Congratulations to Plymouth for creating the first national marine park.”
Watch the National Marine Park video.