Community projects

Lasting marine conservation starts with empowered communities who understand and care for the sea around them.

Spending time by the coast or in “blue space” genuinely boosts our happiness and health. Research consistently shows that being near the sea provides real benefits for people’s wellbeing. But the relationship goes both ways. When people recognise how much the ocean supports their own wellbeing, they’re more inclined to care for it in return.

We work with local people to better protect and manage our sea by amplifying the voices of coastal communities and improving nation-wide ocean literacy. We believe that our health and wellbeing are deeply connected to the health of our ocean and that by looking after it, we look after ourselves.

    The community voice method

    If we're going to recover and safeguard our ocean, the people who use and depend on it need to be part of shaping a future that is good for us and good for the ocean.

    Thats why we focus on making sure that conversations regarding the management of the ocean considers the many different voices of the people who care about and depend on it. This helps ensure a more inclusive and holistic approach is taken in forming long-lasting marine conservation efforts.

    Check out our CVM videos
    A film crew recording an interview with a man by the water in a busy harbor setting for the Valued Seas project

    Marine Conservation Society employees recording an interview to understand local opinions on the use of a harbour  |  Image credit: Peter Richardson

    One Ocean Roadshow

    The One Ocean Roadshow is a major project dedicated to improving ocean literacy in the north of England. By working closely with a broad range of communities through interactive sessions, citizen science, beach cleans and wellbeing activities, the goal is to support transformational change; creating a region of ocean-literate teachers and young people, plus leave a legacy of community-wide behaviour change, driving benefits for local people and our ocean.

    Find out more about the One Ocean Roadshow
    A girl in a blue hijab using a magnifying glass to examine a shell during an educational workshop on marine life.

    A student observing a starfish as part of the One Ocean Roadshow  |  Image credit: John Westgarth

    Scottish Seas Roadshow

    The Scottish Seas Roadshow is an inspiring ocean‑literacy initiative that helps communities and schools across Scotland reconnect with the sea, discover its remarkable marine life, and understand the vital role we all play in safeguarding ocean health.

    Through a number of events, we will introduce schools, youth groups, and community organisations to the wonders of the ocean.

    Find out about the Scottish Seas Roadshow
    Students learning about various marine artifacts like seashells and fossils at a Marine Conservation Stall.

    Marine Conservation Society stall at Glasgow Science Centre  |  Image credit: Paul Watt

    Our work in the UKOTs

    The UK Overseas Territories are home to countless species including sharks, penguins, whales and seabirds that are found in habitats including coastal mangroves, deep sea mounts, polar seas and the world’s largest coral atoll.

    For over 20 years, we’ve been working in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands.

    Our key focus is to help support our Caribbean UKOT partners in significantly improving the management of their existing marine protected area (MPA) networks. We often use the community voice method to amplify local voices.

    Dive into our work overseas
    An underwater photograph of two scuba divers near a coral reef. The diver in the foreground, wearing a black wetsuit and fins, is injecting medicine into a large coral formation. Another diver is visible swimming in the blue water in the background.

    A diver applying treatment to counter coral disease in Turks & Caicos  |  Image credit: David Gallardo

    Project successes

    By strengthening ocean literacy and creating spaces for coastal communities to share their experiences, we’ve helped residents recognise the powerful link between their own wellbeing and the health of the sea.

    Through collaborative workshops, community-led initiatives, and inclusive decision‑making, we’ve seen a noticeable shift toward more sustainable use of marine resources demonstrating that when people feel connected to the ocean, they are inspired to care for it.

    Take a look at our successful community projects
    Woman standing over a fence looking towards a beach. She is wearing a dark coat and beanie. She is facing away from the photographer.

    Nat, Hiraeth Yn Yr Môr Project Support, looking over Barkby Beach, Prestatyn, Wales  |  Image credit: Yoke Creative

    Get involved in your community

    A scene showing an underwater/surface split with a moon jellyfish below the water and scenes of Loch Leven's surrounding hills above. The sky is thick with cloud.

    Report a wildlife sighting

    We want to hear about the wildlife you spot at the coast and at sea, especially marine turtles and jellyfish in UK and Irish waters.
    A large group of approximately 30 volunteers participating in a beach clean event stand smiling on a pebble beach, many holding litter pickers and bags, with a pier visible in the background.

    Find a beach clean

    Join one of our beach clean surveys and help keep Britain's beaches beautiful and our ocean safe for wildlife.
    A woman holding a microphone. She is wearing a Marine Conservation Society t-shirt

    Arrange a community talk

    Enjoy a talk in your local community to learn more about the work of the Marine Conservation Society.