Introduction

Scotland’s marine environment is valuable for its diverse habitats and species, and its contribution to health, society and economy.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report, published autumn 2021, makes clear the scale and severity of the impacts - especially to our precious marine environment - if significant, decisive action is not taken.

COP26 presented an opportunity to commit to such decisive action. Sadly, agreements to limit global warming to 1.5° C were not achieved, but targets to reduce emissions by 2030 were strengthened. For Scotland, this includes a commitment by the Scottish Government to focus on nature-based solutions and the finance to support them.

Such commitments cannot come soon enough. Late 2021 saw significant evidence of climate change and biodiversity loss globally and locally, from the devastations of Storm Arwen - including an estimated 800 seal pups lost from St Abb’s Nature Reserve - to the unprecedented numbers of dead guillemots and razorbills recorded along the east coast. We must hold world leaders, including our own government, to their commitments, as well as taking action ourselves.

As a conservation and education Charity we inspire and educate people about the Scottish marine environment, motivating them to care for it and to support conservation efforts.

Our vision is to help ensure that Scotland’s marine environment is healthy, wildlife-rich, valued and enjoyed by all.

Our work to support our vision is structured around four key pillars – Conservation, Education, Community and Experience.

This report shares details of our achievements from August 2021 to January 2022 and our contribution to national and international marine conservation goals.