A member of parliament has called on the Government to become “world leaders” in protecting the oceans by supporting a designated marine reserve.

MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas said he supports the #BackTheBlueBelt campaign calling on the Government to create more protected areas in oversea territories, including the announcement this month of the largest marine reserve in the Atlantic. 

The new site near to the South Sandwich Islands is home to an array of marine life including whales, fish, birds, seals and 10% of the world’s penguins.

The UK already has a protected 830,000 square mile site in the Pacific around the Pitcairn Islands, and with developing satellite technology and international law it is possible to protect vast areas with greater efficacy. 

The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Government is currently reviewing marine protections in the area where only 2 percent of its marine life are fully protected from fishing.

The Great British Oceans Coalition is calling for the full protection of over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean around the South Sandwich Islands.

Mr Thomas, said: “We are incredibly lucky in the UK to be the stewards of some of the most pristine places left in the global ocean, thanks to our Overseas Territories.

“I am delighted to support this campaign to protect these special places, and call on the Government to designate the South Sandwich Islands as a marine reserve as soon as possible.” 

The learn more, visit http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/global-ocean-legacy-south-georgia-and-the-south-sandwich-islands/about