Coastline is so important to our national identity

NATIONAL Marine Week represents a vital opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about our remarkable marine environment. Our North East coastline is something we are very proud of.

- Jamie Fletcher

This annual event, which ended on Sunday, brings together communities, organisations and individuals to explore, appreciate and protect the coastal areas and seas that play such a crucial role in our ecosystem and daily lives.

The week focuses on highlighting the fundamental importance of our seas, oceans and coastal environments. These marine habitats are not merely scenic backdrops to our coastal towns and cities, but essential ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate our climate and provide economic opportunities for millions of people across the UK.

The North East of England exemplifies both the challenges and successes in maintaining healthy marine environments. The region's coastline, stretching from the Scottish border down through Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham, hosts some of the UK’s most important bathing waters and marine protected areas.

Coastal waters around popular North East destinations such as Tynemouth Longsands, Whitley Bay, Seaburn and Roker have shown significant improvements in water quality over recent decades.