A FUND to help save Dorset’s ‘rapidly declining’ marine wildlife has been launched.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust is asking for donations towards an initiative to call for greater protection of the marine environment.

The charity wants to establish more protected areas, and will be raising awareness through interactive displays and activities at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre in Kimmeridge Bay.

DWT’s Living Seas Manager, Peter Tinsley, said, “Our marine conservation programme doesn’t receive any external funding and badly needs additional support. Most of us recognise how important our coast and seas are for tourism, food and local recreation, but we still know very little about our waters as most of its treasures are hidden from view.”

The trust is calling for a network of Marine Protected Areas to be completed and include areas such as Studland Bay and Lyme Bay.

Parts of the Dorset coast already have protection as a Marine Special Area of Conservation, including Lyme Bay, Portland and Purbeck.

Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges also have protection as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

Studland has been twice passed over amid attempts to get it designated as a MCZ, most recently in August 2015.

Peter added: “Studland Bay is home to seahorses living in the seagrass, and is one of only two known nursery grounds for the endangered undulate ray. Part of Lyme Bay has a population of foraging white-beaked dolphins, and the area has been described as a ‘mega fauna’ hot spot, with important numbers of harbour porpoise, common dolphin, minke whale and basking shark. So far there are no areas of English waters protected for these magnificent creatures. MPA’s would give some protection from damaging activities which are causing our ocean giants to struggle for survival.”

A spokesman for the trust said it has worked hard to help establish the foundation of England’s network of MPA’s and to engage with the public, but now needs ongoing investment in marine conservation to ensure this work can continue.

To donate, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dmcf or phone 01305 264620.