Wednesday 30 May 2012
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press enquiry:
The above event is on 8th June and we'll be running an Environment page on it next Tuesday.
The day was designed to celebrate the importance of the world's oceans, including the importance of fish and maintaining stocks.
I've included a link to the website for ease of reference:
Could I have something from the department on the importance of this campaign? How vital it is that people treat the ocean with respect etc, especially in a place like Guernsey?
Could the department say something about the pivotal role the ocean plays in island life?
Any comments the department wishes to make on this issue would be welcomed.
Environment Department response:
It would be hard to live in Guernsey and not care about the sea that surrounds us. It's the rhythm to which much of island life still moves through the seasons. It's both friend and foe - menacing in a March storm when the spray is crashing high over the Cobo road threatening to swamp unwary drivers; serenely beautiful with the sunset glinting gold on the horizon on a summer evening
It's the natural habitat for a huge range of species of plants and animals. Seaweed no longer plays a significant role in island agriculture but it's still a very important element in maintaining the health of the coastal ecosystem, supporting micro-organisms on which other creatures feed. Seabirds are the Bailiwick's most important indigenous wildlife and nearly 2% of the world's population of both Northern Gannets and Lesser Black Backed Gulls live here and we have a global responsibility to look after them.
Much of our leisure time revolves around the coast and thousands of visitors are attracted here because of the charm of the seascapes and ease of access to so many beaches. Local boat owners spend the winter applying fresh new paint in anticipation of trips to Herm, or fishing for bass. Hundreds of us go ormering in February, whatever the weather. The first hint of sunshine lures us out to the beach, to swim in the sea and investigate rock pools for the first shrimps. We take out our kayaks, surf boards and jet skis for the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with being on the water.
Hundreds of islanders get involved with the voluntary beach cleans organised by the Environment Department each year - the Coastal Clean Up Campaign in July and MCS Beachwatch in September. Both events are valuable opportunities to give our beaches a deep clean and remove litter, particularly plastic which can remain in the marine environment for hundreds of years. The Beachwatch surveys regularly prove that the Channel Islands beaches are the cleanest in Britain but we should never be complacent.
World Oceans Day helps focus attention on our need to care for the sea, to do what we can to help keep it healthy and support the species that depend on it. Just by pledging that all we will ever leave on our beaches are our footprints would be a very good way to celebrate World Oceans Day this year
Note: If you're interested in volunteering for the Coastal Clean Up Campaign weekends on 14 and 15 and 21 and 22 July or for the MCS Beachwatch on 15 and 16 September please contact the Environment Department (Environmental Services Unit), Tel: 717200 or env@gov.gg.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
