Conservation in Portsmouth
The sea plays a huge role in Portsmouth’s every day life, fishing, transport, beach tourism and a world class water sports centre all rely on its waters for survival.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trusts and Blue Reef Aquarium are carrying out various conservation projects to protect the amazing marine life we have here in Portsmouth. From rescuing stranded turtles to releasing seal pups and breeding rare seahorses, the Aquarium is working hard to help the beautiful but endangered marine environment thrive. Recently, a family of seven British seahorses were rescued from the Solent and have been given a new home at the Aquarium.
Positive steps are being made, including a new Marine Bill which will hopefully be passed by Parliament next year. It will include the power to create marine wildlife reserves, further strengthening the conservation works in progress and giving us the means to protect the unique life we have here around our shores. The regional Wildlife Trust has also set up ‘Operation Seahorse’ to protect the marine environment. Within a few years, we can hope that other towns and cities across the South will follow Portsmouth’s example and dedicate themselves to other, more ambitious conservation projects.