Conservation

Supporting marine conservation in Scotland

Our marine wildlife and habitats are under increasing threat from the global impacts of the climate crisis and nature loss. More than 40,000 species globally – 28% of all assessed – are threatened with extinction. This includes 13% of all birds, 37% of sharks and rays, 33% of reef corals and 28% of selected crustaceans. (Source: IUCN Red List.)

1 out of 5

bird species in Europe is threatened or Near Threatened by extinction

(Source: BirdLife International.)

The UK currently loses 100

hectares of saltmarshes and mudflats each year

(Source: NatureScot)

Sources predict a 90%

decline in UK puffin numbers by 2050

(Source: British Trust for Ornithology.)

56%

of northern fulmars have more that 0.1g of plastic in their stomachs (Source: OSPAR, Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response)

As a Charity our goal is to ensure marine habitats and wildlife are adequately protected, restored and resilient to these pressures. To support this we are developing, demonstrating and promoting models of conservation best practice and citizen science. From August 2021 to January 2022 these have included:

90%

of wildlife walk attendees felt more connected to / knowledgeable about the marine environment

22

people gained the skills and opportunity to contribute to citizen science

261

community volunteers collected 110 bags of litter throughout 2021

Feedback from conservation projects:

“Great event tonight. Some amazing people doing wonderful work around our coastline!” Attendee, Beach Clean forum event

“Joy and I immensely enjoyed the walk. Your professionalism, presentation and enthusiasm were exceptional and your warm and welcoming manner was really lovely. You are a highly talented communicator and I look forward to bringing more young people … and hopefully eventually get some volunteering.” “Can I just say how much I enjoyed the wildlife walk today. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get out and chat with like-minded people about nature and our fantastic wildlife. Please pass on my thanks to Emily for sharing all her knowledge on the day, an asset to the Seabird Centre.” Attendee, Beach Clean forum event