The Overlooked Marine Life: A Call for Action in Llangefni
Much of the ocean’s remarkable and vital marine life has been overlooked in the lead-up to the general election, but we’re determined to change this. We spoke to Stevie the seahorse to get their views on the upcoming election and the impact it will have on them and their home in Llangefni.
Meet Stevie Ashley Seahorse
Describe yourself in three words: Small, clingy, ovoviviparous. Yes, that’s right, it’s not just humans that know fancy words.
Favourite food: I love small shrimp; they’re so moreish. I eat around 30 a day. Okay, sometimes 50. What? Swimming is hungry work. I like plankton too.
Ideal place to live: Hmm, that’s a tough one. I do like shallow muddy waters, but if I’m really dreaming big here in Llangefni, I’d love to live in a seagrass meadow one day. They’re great for families: plenty of (carbon) storage, amazing nursery facilities, and such diverse neighbourhoods! You meet all sorts: fish, worms, starfish, jellyfish, and of course, other seahorses. A fish needs some eye candy, you know? But with 92% of UK seagrass meadows lost already, it’s fast becoming a case of the grass being leaner on the other side. Ideally, the next government will work to revive what seagrass meadows we do have, so us marine animals can live there – and you humans can reap the benefits of them, too.
Election Campaign Aspirations
What will you be doing throughout the election campaign? Channel surfing. I want to know whether the candidates recognise the value of the ocean. Will they protect ocean species and habitats? Will they address sewage pollution? Will they invest in the sea? These are issues I experience first-hand (well, first-fin) and I want to see who’s looking out for me and my family. Who’s going to protect those dreamy seagrass meadows so I can finally get my fins on a pad there? I’ll also be keeping a keen eye on the Euros to see which team makes the biggest splash. I may be small, but I’ve got a whale-sized enthusiasm for football!
Challenges and Awareness
Do you think UK politicians are aware of the challenges you face? I mean, they must know, surely. Have you seen the news articles about sewage? Habitat destruction? Pollution? Every day there are stories about the parlous state of our seas. So why the long face? Because we’re riding into the sunset if politicians don’t restore the ocean’s health. The ocean cannot indefinitely combat climate change, contribute vast amounts of cash to your economy, or supply much of the world’s oxygen if it’s not healthy or looked after properly.
Pollution’s Impact
Sewage, forever chemicals or plastic – which is the worst? Ooh, another toughy. I mean, they’re all equally bad, really. But, I’d have to say untreated sewage – no one wants to be living in that. Swimming in nasty pathogens, human waste, and epiphytic algae? No thanks. It’s another threat to those already declining seagrass meadows too. All that excess algae and reduced lighting does not bode well for the plants or creatures living there. And how can I get good selfies without good lighting and algae everywhere? Impossible. Clean water underpins everything – including my photo backdrops.
Life Lessons
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? I’m a big fan of gratitude, especially for what the ocean does for me – for us all. Even though it’s being poisoned, polluted, and put under serious strain, it continues to protect us all and provide essential benefits. The ocean has long been ignored, as are all the vital services it provides. All of us need to realise that we’re nothing without the ocean, so let’s give it the respect and appreciation it deserves.
A Message to Politicians
Message to politicians: Don’t forget the ocean. You benefit every day from what it gives you, every time you breathe. It does plenty of other beneficial things too, such as storing carbon, providing livelihoods, food, and contributing to the economy. Jobs, tourism, food, coastal protection, offshore wind – all of that depends on our ocean being healthy, protected, and conserved.
Ocean Priorities
What are your ocean priorities? Three things:
- Invest in the ocean, our future depends on it. Scale up investment and you can reap rewards from the services it provides.
- Turn the tide on pollution: sewage, chemicals, plastic, they all harm our environment – your environment.
- Revive marine life: protect species and habitats which play a crucial role in helping to fight climate change.
Recognise our worth: I’m just a seahorse, but I matter, too. I have a home, a family, dreams. I deserve a future. So do our seas.
Final Thoughts
So, as you consider the upcoming elections in Llangefni, remember that marine life, like Stevie the seahorse, depends on us to make the right choices. By supporting beach cleanups Llangefni and taking other actions to protect our oceans, we can ensure a healthier, more vibrant future for all.
Favourite film: Secretariat – I like seeing what land horses get up to. Major hair envy.