A NEW international marine conservation charity has been launched to help fight for the future of the world’s seas.

The company behind the Scarborough Sea Life centre has set up the Sea Life Marine Conservation Trust – and announced its arrival in the green arena by roundly condemning the latest massacre of dolphins in Taiji, Japan.

Head of Conservation Sarah Taylor appealed to zoos and aquaria who are fuelling the dolphin hunt with demand for captive animals to withdraw any association with the hunt.

"Dolphins are herded into a cove and after some have been removed to go to captive facilities, the rest are cruelly butchered," she said.

She added: "Yearly quotas for these hunts run into thousands. They are a brutal reminder that we have a very long way to go in securing a safe and humane future for all whales and dolphins.

“We are proud to be working alongside global organisations such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation group, to end the Taiji horror.”

The Trust has set a fundraising target of £250,000 or more for this year, with support already ear-marked for an anti-whaling campaign, sponsorship of a marine protected area, turtle rescue and efforts to stem shark-finning and the use of seahorses in traditional Chinese medicines.

The Scarborough centre’s displays supervisor Lyndsey Crawford said: “Staff are dedicated to doing what they can to help the marine world, and the launch of the Trust is the perfect reward for that dedication.”