Doctor Peter Richardson of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) talked to Vaga Probus Club about their work on November 28th. The MCS headquarters are in Ross-on-Wye, which is a long way from the sea, because the two founders, who were marine divers, lived in the town.

Dr Richardson is Head of Ocean Recovery. His global work with his wife, Sue Ranger, has included a Turtle Conservation Programme and Turks and Caicos Islands Turtle Project.

Lobbying companies and engaging people is the main thrust of MCS work. They believe that small changes in peoples’ buying, eating and disposal behaviour could ensure an optimistic future by curbing commercial exploitation and improving sea food stocks.

The Citizen’s Science Jellyfish Survey, was started by the MCS Jellyfish Survey in 2003 and involves thousands of sea and beach-going members of the public reporting their jellyfish encounters online at the MCS website.

A plastics survey and collection all increase public awareness. The Community Voice Method uses interviews and workshops to bring people with commercial and leisure marine interests together. Proceedings are videoed for wide distribution. Leaflets on eating sustainable fish (300 million meals improved sustainability this year), the MCS quarterly magazine, and the Annual Report are all good informative reads.

Dr Richardson described the legally protected Sea Conservation Areas round the British Isles, often a result of EU directives. He said that Brexit might allow powerful lobby groups to dilute existing legislation but could strengthen it independently of EU given the political will.

Vaga Probus is a men only group that meets twice a month in Ross. Visitors are very welcome, please contact the Secretary on 07956 456 290.