The health of shorelines around the world is under threat like never before. We look at efforts being made in the UK to tackle some of the challenges posed by overfishing and climate change. We travel to Yorkshire in northern England to meet the scientists and fishing communities trying to work out how to protect local lobster stocks. And in Devon in south west England we hear how artificial reefs are helping attract fish and crustaceans to a previously barren patch of sea. People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider. Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: Craig Langran Yorkshire reporter: Madeleine Drury Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Hal Haines (Image: Staff from Whitby Lobster Hatchery, copyright Maddie Drury/BBC)
People Fixing People Fixing the World.
I'm Mayra Anubi and this is People Fixing the World from the BBC World Service, a program that focuses on solving some of the biggest problems we face.
This week, we're diving into a sea of solutions to hear about projects that are working to get marine life to thrive again, thanks to huge underwater blocks and an ocean boot camp for lobsters.
Now, around 70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water.
And the seas and oceans are critical to the health of our planet.
In fact, oceans, like forests, have been described as the Earth's lungs.
They generate around half of the oxygen we need and also absorb a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Plus, let's not forget the fact that these open seas are also a source of food for billions of people around the world.
But our oceans and the creatures that call them home are under threat from climate change and human activities like overfishing.
According to the un, over a third of the planet's fish stocks are depleted.
So we need to find new ways to save marine life.
And on today's program, we'll meet people who are working hard to do this across Britain.
To start us off, our reporter Craig Langren visited the town of Torquay in the southwest of England, where a startup has found a way to encourage sea creatures to come back.
It's about 7 in the morning, the sun's up, it's a little bit chilly, and I've clambered aboard one of the many small white boats bobbing up and down in Torquay's beautiful harbour.
I'm here to meet the owner of the boat, Tom Burbeck, who's the founder of a startup called ARC Marine.
You got the keys?
Behind the seat.
Tom's invited me for a ride out into the English Channel, which separates southern England from northern France.
This narrow strip of sea used to be teeming with marine life such as cod, scallops and oysters.
But in recent years, overfishing and particularly trawling has led to a massive reduction in biodiversity, as well as degrading the underwater world, which the fish and other marine life call home.