10 Scotland-based marine organisations to check out (Part 2)
When we think of environmental organisations, big names like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) often come to mind. While their work is undeniably important and impactful, there’s a wealth of smaller, local and regional organisations making an incredible difference for Scotland seas and coasts.
This is part 2 of the ten standout organisations we think are worth knowing and supporting (find part 1 here): www.youthforseas.org/blogs/scotland-marine-organisations-part-1
6. Scottish Seabird Centre
Who are they? The Scottish Seabird Centre is a marine conservation and education charity located in the coastal town of North Berwick. The Centre is dedicated to inspiring people to appreciate and care for wildlife and the natural environment.
What they do: The Scottish Seabird Centre engages people with Scotland’s marine wildlife through interactive education and conservation efforts. Their Discovery Experience allows visitors to explore marine life through interactive exhibits and live cameras, while their seasonal wildlife boat trips provide opportunities to observe seabirds and marine mammals in the Firth of Forth. They run educational programmes for all ages and lead conservation projects to protect marine habitats from threats like invasive non-native species and marine litter, fostering awareness and action for marine conservation.
Website: www.seabird.org
Follow them: Bluesky @seabirdcentre, Instagram @seabirdcentre
7. Seawilding
Who are they? Seawilding is the UK's first community-led native oyster and seagrass restoration project, based in Loch Craignish, Argyll and Loch Broom, Wester Ross. Their aim is to restore lost biodiversity, sequester carbon, create green jobs and to mentor other community-based groups to do the same.
What they do: As well as undertaking groundbreaking restoration work themselves, Seawilding is actively developing and rolling-out best-practice techniques for marine habitat restoration to other community groups across Scotland.
Website: www.seawilding.org
Follow them: Bluesky @seawilding, Instagram @seawilding
8. Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust
Who are they? The Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust (SIFT) is a small charity focused on improving the sustainability of inshore fisheries through policy reform, research, and advocacy. Their goal is to ensure that marine resources are managed in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.
What they do: Through campaigning and lobbying, SIFT are pushing for better marine governance and responsible fishing practices.
Website: www.sift.scot
Follow them: Bluesky @siftscotland, Instagram @sift.scot
9. Ullapool Sea Savers
Who are they? The Ullapool Sea Savers (USS) is a group of enthusiastic young marine ambassadors based in Ullapool who want to protect and promote marine life both locally and globally.
What they do: Supported by dedicated adults, the group engage in beach cleanups, wildlife surveys, and environmental campaigns. They also work closely with the community to raise awareness about marine issues. One of their key initiatives, the Drain Campaign, educates people about how land-based litter contributes to marine pollution.
Website: ullapoolseasavers.com
Follow them: Bluesky @seasavers, Instagram @ullapoolseasavers
10. WildFish
Who are they? WildFish is a UK charity on a mission to protect wild fish populations and their habitats. They work on reducing key threats to wild fish (particularly salmon & trout) from open-net salmon farming, pollution, and excessive water abstraction.
What they do: Through research, advocacy and legal action, WildFish expose and challenge harmful practices. They coordinate the #OfftheTable campaign, urging restaurants and chefs to remove farmed salmon from their menus.
Website: wildfish.org
Follow them: Instagram @wildfishcons