A NEW conservation initiative has been launched in a bid to safeguard the future of Dorset's marine wildlife.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has created The Dorset Marine Conservation Fund, following concerns that our seas have experienced dramatic declines in marine habitats and wildlife in recent decades.

DWT 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."

Through the fund, DWT wants to increase investment in marine conservation and establish more protected areas around Dorset's coast.

They also want to raise awareness of the issues facing the marine environment with new interactive displays at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre at Kimmeridge.

Last year the Echo reported how protected marine status had been shelved at Studland Bay, largely because of the effects it would have had on local fishermen and recreational yachting.

That decision, taken by Defra officials, to remove Studland from the next stage of the Marine Conservation Zone designation process was widely criticised by environmental groups, including DWT.

Now the organisation wants a network of Marine Protected Area's (MPA's) to be established, which would include both Studland Bay and Lyme Bay.

Mr Tinsley said: "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 wale 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."

DWT is asking for donations to The Dorset Marine Conservation Fund.

Visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dmcf to donate or call 01305 264620.