SIGN a scale and demonstrate your support for marine wildlife before it is too late for our seas to recover.

That’s the plea from Dorset Wildlife Trust, joining others around the country in marking National Marine Week from Saturday, by launching the Petition Fish campaign.

Next year should see the UK’s first network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) established, to meet international obligations. But the trusts say it is vital there are enough, that they are large enough and well protected.

“Older Dorset residents remember seeing schools of harbour porpoise from Dorset’s cliffs and catching large angel shark and common skate, both of which are now critically endangered,” said Julie Hatcher, marine awareness officer at DWT.

“We hope that by setting aside some areas of the sea purely for wildlife we will see a return to the marine environment our great-grandparents enjoyed. We must act now before it is too late.”

Where damaging activities are restricted, fragile marine ecosystems and wildlife can recover, along with fish stocks, but many fishermen oppose these areas.

And the simmering row over the eelgrass and seahorses at Studland versus boat owners who want to anchor in the bay highlights some of the tensions.

Simon King, Wildlife Trusts president, said: “Our marine life is facing so many threats, from destruction of habitat to overfishing. We must ensure there are safe havens below the waves, marine protected areas where populations of species can recover.

“By supporting Petition Fish you are playing your part in creating a network of MPAs, which could ultimately ensure the future health of our seas and sea life.”

Urging people to sign scales he said: “Public support is vital to persuade the government to use its power and help the UK’s seas become some of the most productive and wildlife-rich on earth.”

Petition Fish scales can be signed at DWT’s Fine Foundation Marine Centre at Kimmeridge Bay, online at wildlifetrusts.org/petitionfish or text FISH with name and postcode to 60777.