Cornwall Council has identified ten marine species and habitats as “most in need” of protection in its waters.
This initiative is part of the council’s efforts to create a Marine Nature Recovery Framework, set to be completed next year.
The framework is aligned with the broader goal of managing 30% of land, rivers, and seas by 2030 to help combat climate change.
The list includes:
- Seals
- Seagrass
- Maerl
- Kelp Reef
- Native Oyster
- Whales & Dolphins
- Mussels
- Sharks & Rays
- Tuna & Cod
- Seaworms
Councillor Martyn Alvey, cabinet member for environment and climate change, called this list a “crucial step” in developing an evidence-based plan to protect and restore marine life in the area.
The work is supported by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine and Coastal Partnership.
Identifying those species that need protecting will “enable us to take an integrated approach around the coastal boundaries of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly”, Mr Alvey said.
Each species on the list plays a vital role in the ecosystem—kelp, for example, provides essential food and shelter for marine life, while seagrasses clean water, remove carbon dioxide, and support biodiversity and fisheries, making them one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world.
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