Monitor Ocean Species

Marine habitats and biodiversity are declining faster than at any other time in human history

BSAC Shore Surveyor

Join the British Sub Aqua Club in locating the positions of threatened seagrass and Native oysters habitats. The project, beginning in June 2022 will consist of shoreside and underwater surveys. There is an online training course available on the BSAC website for surveyors. Data from paddle boarders who can reach out of the way beaches and hidden habitats will be particularly valuable.

Take part

  • Skills required

    Ability to identify seagrass, oysters and invasive species. elearning training course on the BSAC website.

  • Project Type

    Conduct surveys independently on any beach you choose.

  • The Why

    We are loosing vital ocean habitats before we can even discover them. Finding them is the first step on the road to protection.

  • Key achievements

    This brand new project is one of the largest environmental projects ever organised by BSAC.

The Big Seaweed Search

The Natural History Museum and Marine Conservation Society invite you to help them to monitor the effects of environmental change on Britain's sea life by exploring the seashore and recording the living seaweeds you find there. Their aim is to use this data to answer questions three pressing environmental issues; rising sea temperatures, the spread of non-native species of seaweeds and ocean acidification.

Take part

  • Skills required

    Basic seaweed ID for 14 key species. Online training and guides are provided by the Big Seaweed Search.

  • Project Type

    You can collect data yourself anywhere around the coast of the UK and Northern island. Submit your data via an online form.

  • The Why

    Seaweeds are important for people and the ocean. Providing a habitat for fish we catch, being used in food, cosmetics, and medicines, and protecting our coasts from storm damage.

  • Key achievements

    Data submitted by beach goers like you are already building a picture of the changing distrubution of seaweeds.

Seasearch

Seasearch provides a way for divers, and more recently snorkelers to during their underwater exploits into robust scientific data. Since it’s inception in the 1980s Seasearch has gone from strength to strength. Seasearch provides rigorous training and the data collected by it’s volunteers is well respected by scientists. This data has proved pivotal in the support of new Marine Protected Areas around the coast of the UK.

Take part

  • Skills required

    You need to be an experience scuba diver or snorkeler and have completed one of Seasearch’s training weekends.

  • Project Type

    You can collect data on any dive. Seasearch also organise dedicated survey dives and trips which you can join.

  • The Why

    Data gathered by volunteers has increased how much we know about our coastal habitats and marine species. The more information we have, the better able we are to identify specific sites of conservation concern.

  • Key achievements

    National Biodiversity Network Award for outstanding contributions to wildlife recording and improving our understanding of the natural world in the UK.