The campaign's being stepped up to protect the deep muddy plains of the Irish Sea.
The North West Wildlife Trusts are trying to get the government to designate certain parts of the undersea landscape as Marine Conservation Zones.
The charities say mud can be as diverse in life as the Amazon rainforest.
To help get the plains protected, the Wildlife Trusts want people to send them their pictures of them getting muddy on Facebook and Twitter - with the hashtag #MarineMudness.
North West Marine Conservation Officer Emily Baxter said: “You may think that deep muddy plains would be like an empty desert but these habitats have the potential to be as diverse as the Amazon rainforest.
“Mud is rich in nutrients and supports a vast array of creatures from angular crabs to delicate sea pens, strange spoon worms and the world’s longest-lived animal, a clam called the ocean quahog.
“On or above the mud are plaice, sole, cod, haddock and whiting. In turn these nutrient-rich seas support seabirds, whales, dolphins and sharks. This is the circle of life in full spin.”
Emily added: “Get out and get muddy to show your support for MCZs in the Irish Sea. Take a picture and put it on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #MarineMudness.
“And spread the word – tell your family and friends to support the campaign. We all have memories of having fun at the seaside. Many of us will have seen birds happily digging in the mud whilst we are too. And just think there are vast communities of marine life out there that we cannot see but they are not important to our ecosystem but also to our economy – these creatures and habitats help us regulate our climate and support local fishing communities.
“You can make sure that wildlife continues to flourish as we enjoy the awesome Irish Sea coast.”
BELOW: PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Naylor
