National Marine Week celebrates the UK's 'seaside superheroes'

The Wildlife Trusts are celebrating the UK's seaside superheroes from 24 July-8 August for National Marine Week.

This year's theme shines a light on the extraordinary sea creatures and plants, which are helping to fight climate change and water pollution or have amazing powers to help them survive. Wildlife from Thresher Shark to Beadlet Anemone and Grayling butterfly to Curled Octopus have been identified as superheroes.

The UK has 17,800 km of windswept coastlines that are never more than 120 km from any location. The Wildlife Trusts invite the public to join them at the seaside this summer and spot incredible sea creatures, try rock pool rambles or help with a beach clean to protect marine wildlife at many of the free events on offer in July and August.

The UK is home to a huge array of wonderful marine wildlife, which will be celebrated during National Marine Week (Cathy Lewis / The Wildlife Trusts).

Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "Our marine environment is simply extraordinary: a stunning interconnected network of habitats, with species living in finely-tuned balance with each other, together contributing to the health of the planet in a myriad of ways – from regulating weather patterns and the climate, to maintaining productive food webs.

"To witness what nature is capable of is incredibly humbling, and I have never been more content than when by the sea – of course this sense of wellbeing is another precious gift from nature. As custodians of the planet, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect our oceans so that as they are allowed to thrive, in turn we humans can thrive."

Dr Lissa Batey, Head of Marine Conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, added: "We want people to enjoy coastal wildlife watching while heading to the beach this summer and to have fun searching for our fantastic marine superheroes. Please be careful not to disturb birds, seals and other wild animals by keeping your distance and dogs on short leads.

"The free seaside activities are an opportunity to get involved with the work of The Wildlife Trusts, learn about how to protect the amazing creatures that live around the coast, while relaxing to the sound of the sea lapping against the shore on holiday."

Find out about National Marine Week at wildlifetrusts.org/national-marine-week.