Seasearch NI 2024 update: Collaboration, community & conservation

Claire Casey, Seasearch NI Coordinator, took part in a citizen science panel at their Marine Ecology and Citizen Science Symposium in February, which highlighted the importance of citizen science in marine conservation. Shifting Tides then supported us in delivering a Seasearch Observer course to 10 trainees on the shores of Carlingford Lough in Killowen. Participants put their new skills into practice the following day with a shore dive at Greencastle, and one of the trainees even went on to become a certified Seasearch Observer soon after!

This collaboration was a great success and a testament to the value of local partnerships in marine education.

We continued to engage with communities alongside local environmental NGOs like Ulster Wildlife at festivals and public events across Northern Ireland, raising awareness of how citizen science can play a key role in marine conservation efforts.

Our ‘MPA Roadshow’ stall was a hit at these events, with a collection of beachcombing finds such as seashells, egg cases and crab moults helping to start conversations about marine ecosystems.

We also introduced a cutting-edge virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in 360-degree video footage of Northern Ireland’s underwater habitats. This was a great way to provide a glimpse of the marine environment in a way that was both educational and engaging.

We’ve also been working with Ulster Wildlife to run intertidal surveys across Northern Ireland. These surveys offer a gentle introduction to marine recording, aimed at those who might not yet be ready for the more advanced subtidal work. The first intertidal survey took place in November at Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, with more planned for early next year. These events are a great way to start connecting with the local marine environment without getting fully submerged!

The spring and summer of 2024 were busy for Seasearch NI, with a full calendar of shore and boat dive surveys scheduled. However, several of these events had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

These surveys will help assess the health of marine ecosystems and identify changes in species composition over time.

With the cost-of-living crisis potentially impacting the ability and interest of people in diving events, we’re exploring alternative survey methods that are both cost-effective and accessible for people. We’re looking at incorporating free diving and snorkelling into Seasearch surveys, as these activities require less equipment so are an ideal entry point for new volunteers who want an immersive experience with the ocean without the need for full scuba diving gear.

Seasearch NI has also been strengthening its efforts to address invasive species, which pose a growing threat to our marine biodiversity. We’ve recently been collaborating with the Invasive Species team at Biodiversity Ireland to take initial steps into developing new training and resources to improve citizen scientists’ reporting of invasive species. We expect this collaboration to enhance our ability to identify and track invasive species along Northern Ireland's coastline and provide valuable data to support conservation efforts.

As we head into the new year, Seasearch NI is looking forward to expanding our reach, developing new survey methods, and continuing to build a network of passionate volunteers dedicated to marine conservation. We’re also excited to explore new collaborations with other marine-centred projects in Northern Ireland, which will be detailed further in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates in 2025 as we continue our work to connect people with the sea and foster a deeper appreciation for the incredible marine biodiversity found right here on our doorstep!

Let’s protect what we love—dive into action with Seasearch Northern Ireland today!

The Marine Conservation Society would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers. Your contributions, whether through time, expertise, or financial backing, are helping to make a real difference in understanding and protecting Northern Ireland’s precious marine environment.

By working together, we can protect our shared marine ecosystems for generations to come.