Professor Jan Pentreath, President of Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“Trustees and the marine team have been busy working together on three highly important consultations including the Government’s current consultation on the Fisheries white paper, mapping out the future of UK fisheries after Brexit which runs until 12 September.”

“We are also taking part in public consultations on the controversial live wrasse fishery in Cornish waters, where Cornish wrasse are being caught and taken to Scotland to work as cleaner fish in sea cages for salmon farming, and we are taking part in a consultation on the restriction of towed gear within Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone.”

Matt Slater, Marine Awareness Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“In addition to influencing marine policy and holding events to showcase our amazing marine environment, we are working on our bi annual review of Cornwall Good Seafood Guides seafood sustainability ratings using latest fisheries stock advice and information from the fishing industry.”

It’s a busy time of the year for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s marine staff who run events during National Marine Week and throughout the summer.

Cornwall’s seas are amazing but they are also under increasing pressure, the Trust’s events not only inspire but also highlight ways in which people can help protect the marine environment. Cornwall is lucky to have a growing network of marine conservation volunteers running local marine groups all around the coast and there are many ways in which the public can get involved and help protect their local patch of coastline.

Events next week as part of National Marine Week include,

Wednesday 8th August – Crazy about Crabbing at Mevagissey. Family day on the harbourside learning about Cornish crustaceans and the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide. Take part in a wildlife friendly crabbing competition and meet the fisherman. Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Free and booking not essential. For more information email seafood@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Continued…
Friday 10th August - CWT Eco-Extreme Rockpooling at Port Gaverne. A Coasteering session with a difference with Cornish Rock Tors, and marine biologist Matt Slater, exploring the coastline for fantastic wildlife in hard to reach places! Time 10.00am - 1:00pm. Cornwall locals only, cost £36 (discounted rate). Booking essential -info@cornishrocktors.com / 07791 534884

Sunday 12th August - Rockpool Ramble at Porthleven. Explore a rarely visited exposed rocky shore home to a wealth of rare and fascinating creatures. Numbers limited, U18’s must be accompanied by an adult – access challenging.
Booking essential - matt.slater@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk. Sponsored by South West Water.

Sunday 12th August - Newquay Summer Snorkel. Join the Your Shore Beach Rangers for a supervised snorkel event to reveal the secrets of the sea and come face-to-face with some amazing marine wildlife. It’s the perfect way to discover the marine environment, have fun and challenge you. You’ll be snorkelling, clambering through gullies and exploring places that a normal rock pooling session can’t reach. Ideal for the young and adventurous. Enjoy a hot chocolate on the beach afterwards. Kiosk and toilets nearby. Ages 9-24 only, unaccompanied children under 16 must be signed in by a parent or guardian. All participants must be confident swimmers and confident in the sea. Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking essential - jennifer.sandiford@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk / 07973 728775

For more information about the huge number of exciting events being run by the Local Marine Group network all around Cornwall check out the Your Shore Beach Rangers website – beachrangers.com/whats-on