A social activism group has launched a monthlong movement aimed at making people aware of the need to safeguard the marine ecosystem of Bermuda.

Bermuda Is Love announced the #BlueBermuda campaign to urge the public to take better care of waters around the island.

The charity described Bermuda as a “big ocean state”, with 95 per cent of its territory in the marine exclusive economic zone.

It added that the surrounding seas now faced “unprecedented pressures”.

The group said: “Once-pristine coral reefs are experiencing bleaching and fragmentation under impacts of warming seas.

“Seagrass beds, which serve as essential nurseries for fish and invertebrates, are in steep decline.

“Unsustainable utilisation of marine ecosystems threaten their future existence.”

It added: “BlueBermuda is not only about diagnosis. It’s about respect and response.

“It is about remembering that we are not separate from the ocean, but a crucial part of its rhythm and future.

“By cleaning our seas and shores, listening to science, engaging in collaborative dialogue and inspiring present and future generations, we can begin to reverse the damage.”

The campaign started on Saturday at Spanish Point Park with a discussion about coastal clean-up and marine pollution.

Bermuda Is Love will host a screening of the documentary Shark Country next Monday at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

The show, which will start at 6pm, will be followed by a panel discussion.

The BUEI will be the venue for the Climate Change and Ocean Futures panel discussion on July 20 from 5pm to 8pm.

Bermuda Is Love will host a tour of the biological station of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences in St George’s followed by a talk on coral research from 10am to 12.30pm on July 26.

The latest campaign will end with a clean-up at Elbow Beach on July 27 between 9am and 11am.

All events are free. Visit Bermuda Is Love’s website to register.