Protection in Atlantic

CONservatIONIsts hailed the creation of the largest fully protected marine reserve in the atlantic.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said the Government would support the ascension Island’s call to designate its waters as a marine protected area, with no fishing allowed.

Full protection of 171,000 square miles of ocean – about twice the size of the Uk – will protect fish and birds. Charles Clover, of Blue Marine Foundation, said: ‘It will give lasting protection to one of the last wild places left in the ocean, a hotspot for green turtles, sharks, swordfish, tuna and some of the world’s largest marlin.’

the rsPB said: ‘ We are delighted the Government agreed to support the ascension Island community’.