His support follows on from The Wildlife Trusts which launched a document in the House of Commons entitled 'Living Seas' which sets out their vision for the future.

Mr Cawsey said he was delighted to support this vision.

He added: "It is vital that we return our sea to health, not only for the sake of the UK's fantastic marine life but also for the future of our own quality of life.

"In the last parliamentary session I was proud to support the passage of the Marine and Coastal Access Act through Parliament which fired the starting pistol for politicians to make Living Seas happen."

Mr Cawsey has met with representatives of both the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts and he subsequently signed an Early Day Motion which pressurises the Government to deliver prompt action on this new legislation.

The MP is also working with local trust officers and has become an ambassador for the Living Seas project.

Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, President of The Wildlife Trusts, said: 'We very much welcome the support we have had from parliamentarians for the Marine and Coastal Access Act. Now it is time to take this further.

"We need an effective and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by 2012 which will help us, The Wildlife Trusts, and our partners and supporters, to achieve Living Seas, and within a generation."

For more information logon to www.wildlifetrusts.org.