Youth Ocean Network

What is our voluntary Youth Ocean Network?

A group of enthusiastic young people – living both near the coast and inland – helping us move our youth engagement forward in an equitable, diverse, inclusive and fun way.

No matter where you live in the UK or what your experience is, we want to hear from you! The network could be a great opportunity to learn more, make friends, and add to your CV.

There will also be opportunities in the long run to be part of a more involved National Youth Panel, and we hope to one day have a young person (18-25) sitting on our board of trustees.

A group of young adults holding up a big tapestry with fish on it. At the top it reads "You are not a dop in the ocean you are an entire ocean in a drop - Rumi". At the bottom it reads "#Youth Ocean Network"

The Youth Ocean Network holding up their World Ocean day artwork | Image credit: Sudheha Amerasinghe

How it works

The Network makes up part of a team of like-minded young people who communicate with us on a regular basis, participate in online surveys and meetings, and help direct our Youth Engagement Strategy and other internal projects. We want to involve young people in every part of our organisation and aim to be as inclusive as possible.

People are at the heart of the Marine Conservation Society, and so much of our work relies on great stories, partnerships, education, and citizen science.

A young man with dark curly hair is wearing a blue corduroy jacket with a white fleece collar, he is smiling and gesturing with his hands while talking to another person. The person he's speaking to is wearing a blue beanie and a black hoodie.

Members of the Youth Ocean Network talking at a youth event in Cardiff | Image credit: Joe Hadley

Interested in joining?

By joining, you’ll gain access to events, resources, campaigns, and a supportive network of like‑minded young ocean advocates.

If you're interested in getting involved please contact our Youth Engagement Officer, Katie: katie.macfarlane@mcsuk.org.

Please note - you must be aged 13 or over and living in the United Kingdom to register your interest. If you're under 18 you must ensure you have a parent or guardian's permission to register.

A group of smiling young people sitting in rows on a boat, one person in the foreground to the left is holding binoculars. The person in the background is making a heart with their fingers.

Wildlife watching youth event in Inverness, Scotland | Image credit: Paul Campbell

Funding

Our Youth Engagement work in Scotland is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start Programme and the William Grant Foundation.

This project was launched in 2021 with funding from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It was delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.