Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2015 | Page 86

COUNTRY LIFE National Marine Week S ome 29 species of whales, dolphins, and the second largest shark in the world, basking sharks - are regularly found in UK waters. Some of these can be found off the coast of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. However several of these magnificent ocean giants are now in decline because of decades of damage, and unsustainable exploitation of the oceans. Whether it’s collisions with ships, dolphins getting tangled in nets or accidentally caught, or pollution working its way through the food chain - our impact on marine life has been devastatingly clear. Although the government has introduced protected areas in our seas, the reality is that the nutrient-rich places that ocean giants like whales and dolphins need for feeding, breeding and socialising remain unprotected. Some species have global migration routes, taking in thousands of miles and need a network of protected areas specifically to support them. The wider health of our oceans is also really important for us. Over half of the oxygen in our atmosphere is produced by seagrasses, microscopic phytoplankton and seaweeds. The oceans also play an important role in regulating our climate by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide and heat. National Marine Week at the start of August is a good time to reflect on our amazing marine habitats, and find out more about the creatures in our sea. In celebration we are holding a series of events on the Isle of Wight, from beach surveys to rockpool rummages! Why not come down to find out what’s beneath the waves, and what you can do to help. Photo: Shoresearch at Colwell by Amy Marsden By Tim Ferrero, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Head of Marine Conservation Diary dates: Tuesday, August 25 1.00 - 3.00pm Rockpool Rummage Discover the fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting the Island’s rocky shore at Bembridge Ledge. Bring a net and bucket if you have them, and wear shoes that you can get wet. Children must be accompanied, with a suggested maximum of three children per adult. Parking charges apply. Contact Kathy Grogan on 01983 760018. Suggested donation £3. Sorry, no dogs permitted. 86 www.visitilife.com Saturday, August 29 4.00 - 6.00pm Wildlife Watch Rockpooling Rockpooling at Horse Ledge, Shanklin. Meet at the southern end of Shanklin esplanade outside the ice cream kiosk where the slope goes down to the beach. Bring a net if you have one and non-slip shoes you can wear in the water. We’ll be watching the cliffs for peregrines and ravens and checking out the rockpools on this special bit of coast. Contact Kathy Grogan on 01983 760018. Suggested donation £3. Saturday, September 2 5.15 - 8.00pm Thorness Shoresearch Survey Join us on a Shoresearch survey at Thorness beach to record the seaweed and animals found when the tide goes out. You will be helping to collect valuable data about our seashore and will learn more about the marine life which lives there. Loads of interesting animals can be found hiding in between and under rocks. To book or for info contact Abbi Scott on 01489 774439 or [email protected].