Gidley and Huhne back marine bill to protect Solent seahorses

10.03.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 15th Oct 2007

Sandra Gidley and Chris Huhne MP joined forces to back Hampshire Wildlife Trust's campaign for greater protection of the sea in the South East. The Hampshire trust has collected more signatures on the trusts' "fish petition" than any other county.

The Hampshire MPs are pictured here with Sue Walton, chief executive of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, pressing for a marine bill to provide protection for the unique habitats around British shores and for a full study of local sea features like the Solent seagrass beds.

Chris Huhne MP said: 'The Solent is such a busy stretch of water that it is surprising how many species and habitats it has. At the moment, there is very little planning or management of this important resource. Locally we need better co-ordination of all the different users of the sea, in order to protect it for future generations.'

"The Hampshire Wildlife Trust is running "Operation Seahorse" to raise money to study and protect local habitats such as the Solent seagrass beds where seahorses live, and which is also home to the largest native oyster population in the country" said Mr Huhne.

"A marine bill is vital to ensuring that we do not destroy many of the priceless treasures in our maritime heritage, and that all users of our seas can have their interests protected".

Nationally, Hampshire Wildlife Trust is supporting the campaign to get a Marine Bill in Parliament, so that the seas can have better management.

Sandra Gidley MP says: 'The Marine environment is an area where all parties agree we need more legislation, and Chris and I are urging the government to find time for it in this session. We have written to the Prime Minister and will continue to campaign until we get parliamentary time for this vital Bill'

Sandra added: " It's not too late to sign up as Hampshire Wildlife Trust has launched an online version called 'Bernard the Gurnard' which people can sign at www.hwt.org.uk"

Ends

Notes to Editors

Sandra Gidley is MP for Romsey. Chris Huhne is MP for Eastleigh, and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

For more information about Operation Seahorse please contact Vicky at Hampshire Wildlife Trust at vickys@hwt.org.uk

For more information please contact Charity Garnett on 07859896655 or at garnettc@parliament.uk