Linda Gilroy MP today attended the Petition Fish event at the House Commons, at which The Wildlife Trusts launched their report Marine Reserves: TLC for our seas and sea life and called for a Marine Bill in next month's Queen's Speech. 

The Petition Fish are an innovative way of gathering petition signatures. The fish are large, brightly coloured cut-outs, representing four charismatic and endangered UK fish (cod, tiggerfish, wrasse and plaice). They are decorated with hundreds of scales displaying more than 150,000 signatures gathered from around the UK over the summer.

Linda Gilroy MP said "I was encouraged to see the strength of public support for a Marine Bill which The Wildlife Trusts have gathered with their Petition Fish. Their report on Marine Reserves highlights the importance of this campaign".

Michael Allen, chairman of The Wildlife Trusts, said "We have been delighted with the 150,000 signatures that Wildlife Trusts from around the UK have gathered for our Petition Fish. It shows there is public support for protecting our marine environment.

"We have a unique patchwork of marine habitats around our coast with meadows of seagrass, forests of kelp, gardens of colourful sponges and corals, and moonscapes of sand and mud riddled with the burrows of millions or shellfish and worms. Not only does this report demonstrate the urgent need for a Marine Bill which includes effective legal measures to designate Marine Reserves, but it also sets out how Marine Reserves might operate.

Above: Linda Gilroy MP with Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, members of the Wildlife Trusts - and a Petition fish.

Wednesday 10 October 2007