Join MCS!

We’d like to introduce you to a charity that is close to our hearts: The Marine Conservation Society (MCS). MCS is the voice for everyone who loves the sea. They work to secure a future for our living seas, and to save our threatened sea life before it is lost forever. MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection for all marine life.

Pollution-free seas for people and wildlife Stroll along a UK beach and, on average, you'll find 2,000 pieces of litter for every kilometre. Pollution of the sea affects us all, contaminating the water we paddle and swim in, the fish we eat, the beaches we visit, and it harms the fantastic sea life we see every day around the British coast. MCS is clearing our coasts of this foul tide of rubbish.

Fishing for the future

Over fishing is a huge threat to sea wildlife, and many fish stocks are running low. MCS is tackling the problem, promoting sustainable seafood so that everyone can help ensure there'll be fish on our plates for generations to come, without wrecking the fabric of life in our oceans.

Protecting marine wildlife

The UK's coast and seas are some of the most beautiful in the world, but the stark truth is that less than a fraction of even 1% of our seas is protected for wildlife. MCS is working to get marine reserves established, where sea life can thrive.

Support MCS in its vital work to save our seas, by joining MCS as a supporter, making a donation, and taking part in projects:

• Join MCS
• Help create marine reserves
• Take part in a beach clean up
• Organise a sponsored “coastal challenge”
• Report your wildlife sightings

www.mcsuk.org


Some things you didn’t know about our seas

1. You have a one in seven chance of contracting a sewage related disease such as gastroenteritis or ear, nose and throat infections each time you swim on almost half of Britain's beaches.
2. Levels of beach litter have doubled over the last decade.
3. Less than 1% of our UK seas are totally protected from damaging activities such as aggregate extraction & fishing
4. 88% of Europe’s fish stocks are over-fished or depleted. Once common fish such as skate and cod are now rare
5. There are seven times as many endangered creatures in our seas than land in the UK
6. Coral reefs are home to about a quarter of all known marine creatures, including green and hawksbill turtles. Sadly, one fifth of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed and half are seriously threatened.

Coastal challenge

The challenge is to match the distance of the UK’s coastline (11,477 miles or 18,470 km) whilst raising vital funds for MCS' work to care for our seas, shores and wildlife. You don’t have to do it all in one go (phew!), and every single person’s challenge counts towards our target.

You could make one of our Big Five challenges a Coastal Challenge, or re-discover kayaking your favourite bit of coastline, or even take your spirit of adventure somewhere completely new. Any activity that covers a distance, whether it’s horizontal or a vertical drop, counts (as long as it’s safe and legal)!

BBC presenter Kate Humble supports MCS and wants to encourage people to take part in Coastal Challenge...

''The Coastal Challenge is fun, healthy and every step you take will be another step towards the recovery of our seas''

MCS supporter & keen kayaker, Sean Morley, was the inspiration for the Coastal Challenge campaign. In 2004, he became the first person to kayak solo around the whole of the British Isles, and through this challenge raised over £4,000.

During his expedition Sean was lucky enough to encounter an abundance of the UK’s wildlife

“…a school of six dolphins seemed to be in their element, riding the swells and then heading out in a lull. I saw one burst out through the back of a wave getting big air in the process. It was a move that would have scored nicely in any surf competition.”

So, don’t delay, get in touch with MCS and ask for a free fundraising pack.