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Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall takes fish fight to Parliament

TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall led a march to Westminster today to urge the Government to do more to protect UK seas.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, pictured in London today said. 'If we leave it too much later, too much damage will have been done.' Credit: PA

Accompanied by hundreds of supporters - many in fish-related fancy dress - Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said it was "vital" that ministers act to increase the number of "marine conservation zones" (MCZs).

Campaigners get into the spirit in fish and diving costumes outside Westminster. Credit: PA

More than £8 million was spent on identifying 127 areas where dolphins, seahorses and other rare species most need protection. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has so far planned to create 31 sites by the end of this year, while the majority of MCZs have no timetable.

Campaigners marching outside Westminster to urge ministers to increase the number of'marine conservation zones.' Credit: PA

Speaking outside parliament, Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said:"This is the sort of opportunity that may not come again. We might not have such a vital and appropriate time frame as we've got right now to make real changes.

"If we leave it too much later, too much damage will have been done. It will be hard for a lot of the areas to recover."