Woman standing over a fence looking towards a beach. She is wearing a dark coat and beanie. She is facing away from the photographer.

Project success

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.

We believe that 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. Collaboration is at the heart of our People and the Sea work. We actively seek opportunities to work with others and have been effective partners in several networks.

    The HYYM project

    Hiraeth Yn Y Môr (HYYM) was a community-led project working in North-East Wales from 2023 to 2025 to connect local people with the ocean on their doorstep.

    Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, we worked closely with the coastal communities of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay and Towyn to grow ocean literacy, improve the sustainable management of the local marine heritage, and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean.

    Learn about the HYYM project

    A project lead of the HYYM project speaking to a Welsh participant  |  Image credit: Yoke Creative

    Agents of Change

    The Agents of Change project worked alongside coastal communities from 2017–2023 to help make Marine Protected Areas matter.

    Our Agents of Change programme was part of the Marine CoLABoration, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and co-funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union. The project supported coastal communities in driving action which benefitted everyone, including the ocean.

    Learn more about the Agents of Change project

    Cromer chalk bed  |  Image credit: Samantha Bean

    Wild Coast Sussex

    The coast and seas of Sussex are home to an incredible array of underwater landscapes and marine life. Through various projects, we have worked to protect and recover these vital ecosystems.

    Through Wild Coast Sussex, we inspired Sussex locals to care for and protect their coast and sea. We worked with over 500 16-25 year olds to take them on a positive journey, in which they could make a difference to the health of their local sea.

    Learn about the Wild Coast Sussex project
    people on Hastings beach with a boat in the water

    Beach visitors and boat in Hasting  |  Image credit: Sue Ranger

    Our Blue Heart

    Our Blue Heart was an ongoing exploration of what the ocean means to people. The project was launched in 2018 with the production of documentary film. Interviews up and down the country revealed a deep, fascinating and personally defining relationship between people and our ocean.

    A short film was created using the Community Voice Method to give you a glimpse of what we found.

    Find out about Our Blue Heart
    Children snorkeling in a rockpool

    Children snorkeling in a rockpool  |  Image credit: Sue Ranger

    Our connection with the sea projects

    We created several films that explored the diverse views and values of local people in coastal communities. Our intention was to provide a full exploration of the different experiences that the ocean can have on people leading them all to a deep connection to our blue planet.

    Watch our films
    A young girl in a yellow coat holding up a stone. A teacher is standing behind her looking at a form. They are situated on a beach.

    A young girl holding up a stone toward the camera  |  Image credit: John Westgarth

    Dive Project Cornwall

    We're worked with Dive Project Cornwall on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to help young people learn to dive and connect with our ocean.

    As well as gaining their PADI Open Water Diving accreditation, this unique project will saw students take part in our conservation and education programmes to help inspire understanding, appreciation and respect for the ocean.

    Learn more about the Dive Project Cornwall project
    Dive Project Cornwall divers standing in a line

    Dive Project Cornwall divers  |  Image credit: Jake Tims

    Get involved in your community

    Blackpool beach with footprints in the sand. A rollercoaster is in the background as part of the pleasure park

    The One Ocean Roadshow

    The One Ocean Roadshow is an exciting Ocean Literacy project in the north of England, empowering local communities and schools to rediscover the ocean, its fascinating marine inhabitants, and the important role we play in protecting the ocean’s health.
    Isle of Islay

    Find a beach clean

    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.
    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.