The project involves local people in recording and surveying marine life, increasing our knowledge about the marine environment so that everyone can help to conserve and enjoy it.
Project aims
- Gather data on four key marine habitats and 38 marine Biodi
versity Action Plan species - Work towards the establishment of well managed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Isles of Scilly
- Engage and empower the local community to protect, enhance and draw sustainable benefit from the exceptional marine environment.
How?
We conduct underwater surveys with Seasearch divers who are trained volunteers, able to survey our reefs, seagrass meadows and tide-swept channels. On the shores other volunteers conduct Shoresearch surveys. Whales, dolphins and basking sharks are surveyed from the Scillonian each week, but anyone can record a marine life sighting. Local fishermen and anglers are helping us to record fish species.
Get involved
The project works with volunteers, local wildlife enthusiasts, divers, sailors, artists, children, anglers and tourists. Whoever you are, we are interested to hear from you. While out and about you can do your bit to protect marine wildlife by following our marine code of conduct. And if you want a bit more information on the diversity of marine life you can read about everything from sponges to whales.
Keep watching the website for ways of becoming involved in the project. We will advertise all talks, volunteering opportunities, surveys and events here.
Where does the money come from?
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has committed to funding 50 per cent of the project for two and a half years through the Natural England Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund. The Crown Estate is providing the rest of the funding through the Marine Communities Fund.
