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Marine Projects
Looking for other projects to get stuck into? We’ve created a list containing some of the most widespread marine citizen science projects you can get stuck into across the country…
Projects vary in purpose, size, complexity, type of research, and level of commitment. There really is something for everyone!
MARINE CITIZEN SCIENCE
With over 18,000 km of coastline and a variety of coastal habitats, Scotland has a lot to gain from marine citizen science projects.
Looking for something you can do outdoors? Grab your wellies, binoculars and clipboards for the following opportunities at a beach of your choosing.
Rocky Shores:
- Big Seaweed Search – Help the Marine Conservation Scoiety and Natural History Museum identify and record marine algae (aka seaweeds) in this UK-wide project.
- Show usYour Mussels! – (Edinburgh Shoreline) Help identify where Blue mussels are growing in the Firth of Forth and monitor their survival.
- Shoresearch – (The Wildlife Trusts) Conduct surveys of the intertidal shore, where the land meets the sea—an important and exciting habitat brimming with interesting wildlife.
_Jamie_McDermaid.JPG "Three young people search the rockpools around North Berwick, with Craigleith island visible in the background")
Sandy Shores:
- Great Eggcase Hunt – (Shark Trust) Search for “mermaid’s purses” and relay your findings to help us learn more about the species of sharks and rays breeding around the UK.
- Jelly Watch – Report any stranded jellyfish you find washed up as you amble along the beach.
Marine Litter Surveys:
- Beachwatch – (Marine Conservation Society) Do your bit for the environment by removing and recording what litter you find to help raise awareness of the issue.
- Great Nurdle Hunt – (Fidra) Help document the extent of nurdle pollution (tiny plastic pellets) around the coast.
- Water Challenge – (Earth Echo) Use simple kits for sampling local water bodies to monitor water quality around the world.
Below the Waves:
- National Whale and Dolphin Watch – (Sea Watch Foundation) Become a trained whale and dolphin observer.
- Seasearch – A project for volunteer divers and snorkellers interested in mapping the seabed and collecting information about the animals, plants and habitats you find.
