Photo by ©Calum Duncan/Marine Conservation Society
SeaSearch enables recreational divers and snorkellers to learn about marine life while doing their bit to protect and restore our ocean. By collecting information about the habitats, plants and animals that they see underwater, they help track the health of our marine environments.
Seasearch is a very informative and cost-effective way of gathering data about the shallow seas. As such, it is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting information about specific areas for diverse reasons which include many aspects of restoration. This includes work underway to locate Priority Marine Features for protection, recovery and potential restoration.
Seasearch has made a valuable contribution to marine conservation in Scotland, helping map distribution of marine species and habitats, including Priority Marine Features, and contributing to the evidence-base for designation of many inshore Marine Protected Areas. The project provided the equipment needed to safely survey new locations, helping to identify habitats in need of restoration. To achieve this they purchased a range of equipment including a chart plotter/GPS and electronic charts, therapeutic oxygen kits and training resources for coordinators.
In 2021 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £2,106 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.