A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine life in Cumbria, including the seas near Walney, has entered its second week.

National Marine Week, which actually lasts a fortnight, began on Saturday July 29 and will run until Sunday. Cumbria Wildlife Trust hopes the public will do their bit to protect the wildlife of the Irish Sea, and is using the fortnight as an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful sea life found all around the county's coastline.

Last year, special status was given to two stretches of the Cumbrian coast, one of which was an area west of Walney. Rare marine wildlife found there includes sea urchins, strange spoon worms and molluscs, which live alongside commercially important Dublin Bay prawn.

Emily Baxter, senior marine conservation officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said they wanted more Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to ensure that the health of the Irish sea continues to improve, making it an event better place for wildlife.

She said: "We want people to get involved and become even more passionate about their own bit of the sea by becoming a member of your local Wildlife Trust or a Friend of a Marine Conservation Zone.”

She added: "Our Irish Sea is home to some amazing wildlife. Whales, dolphins and turtles visit us every year to feed.

" There is a huge variety of seabirds, and grey seals haul out and breed on Walney. This wonderful wildlife is at risk unless we have a network of protected areas around the coast of the UK."

Visit www.irishsea.org/whats-on to get involved in marine wildlife events in Cumbria.