Our work > Biodiversity > Marine Biodiversity Project
Marine Biodiversity Project
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Marine Biodiversity Project involved local people in recording and surveying marine life, increasing our knowledge about the marine environment.
Marine Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats and Species of the Isles of Scilly 2011 report
The Isles of Scilly Marine Biodiversity Project has now finished. You can now download the final report 'Marine Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats and Species of the Isles of Scilly 2011'
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 conducted 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 conducted Shoresearch surveys. Whales, dolphins and basking sharks are surveyed from the Scillonian each week, but anyone can still record a marine life sighting. Local fishermen and anglers helped to record fish species.
Who was involved?
The project worked with volunteers, local wildlife enthusiasts, divers, sailors, artists, children, anglers and tourists.
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.
ShoresearchAs part of our Marine Biodiversity Project a number of Shoresearch surveys collected data on marine species of the Isles of Scilly. These surveys took place on Scilly's rocky shores throughout the summer of 2009 & 2010.
Marine life sightingsScilly has a wonderful marine environment and you never know when you may spot a porpoise, dolphin or seabird. Find out about marine life sightings and let us know what you see.
Fish and fishing studyWe are interested in learning more about the fish in Scillonian waters and current fishing practices. Doug Herdson has been helping to investigate.
National Marine Week 2010National Marine Week has been a massive success on the Isles of Scilly, raising much awareness about the marine environment through, fetes, rockpool rambles and puppet competition. We also collected a lot of data on species, with Shoresearch, Seasearch and a seaweed expert all exploring our marine habitats.
Scilly seasearch 2010As part of our Marine Biodiversity Project Seasearch volunteers visited Scilly during 2010. Listen to podcast interviews with Jaclyn Pearson about their work.
Where did the money come from?
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) committed to fund 50 percent 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.
