Seasearch: Growing Stronger, Looking Ahead

Seasearch is built on a simple yet powerful idea: that passionate, knowledgeable divers, snorkellers, freedivers, rock poolers and beach goers can play a vital role in marine conservation. For decades, this community has made an incredible impact, helping to shape our understanding of the UK’s underwater world and supporting efforts to protect it. 

Today, Seasearch is thriving. More people than ever are getting involved, contributing valuable data, and strengthening our collective voice for the ocean. As the program grows, so too must the ways we support our volunteers. To ensure Seasearch remains a gold standard for citizen science, we’re making some updates - designed to enhance the experience for everyone who takes part. 

Building on Strength 

Over the past six months, we’ve been reviewing how Seasearch operates - identifying what’s working well and where we can improve. Our aim is simple: to empower a growing community of Seasearchers to collect as much valuable data as possible and use it to ensure our ocean is healthy and protected for generations to come.

You may have heard recently about some changes that are happening behind the scenes. These won’t affect any Seasearch activity you carry out independently – please continue to get out there and collect as much data as you can! 

However, in the future, you might notice some differences in Seasearch Events that are organised by the Marine Conservation Society. These changes are designed to enhance safety and improve your experience as a volunteer . They include some adjustments required by our health and safety, insurance, and risk management practices.  

We’re working with Seasearch’s amazing coordinators to navigate these changes, and we’ll update you once the details have been agreed.

What’s Next for Seasearch? 

Looking ahead, we’re also developing new opportunities to expand what Seasearch can offer and support volunteers in even more meaningful ways. The central Seasearch team at the Marine Conservation Society is working on: 

• New training opportunities to help volunteers develop their skills and confidence in marine ID and surveying techniques.  
• Growing our national network of Seasearch volunteers, with engaged hubs of support at local dive clubs, dive centres, and community groups. 
•  More ways for you to contribute, from taking part in focus groups to trialling new resources.
• Stronger connections between volunteers and their data, so you can see exactly how your hard work is making an impact. 
•  Creating inclusive resources and opportunities for more volunteers to get involved with Seasearch.
•  Connecting young people to the ocean and inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates.

 These are just a few of the exciting things on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share more details soon. Keep an eye out for invitations to our forthcoming focus group sessions, where you’ll have the chance to help shape Seasearch’s future in your area.  

Join Us on This Journey 

Seasearch has always been shaped by the incredible passion and dedication of its volunteers. As we move forward, we want to ensure that everyone feels informed, supported, and excited about what’s ahead.  

We know that change brings questions, and we’re always happy to chat. If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or share your thoughts, please feel free to reach out to the Seasearch Team at [email protected]

This is an exciting time for Seasearch, and we’re looking forward to working together to make it even stronger. Stay tuned for more updates - and thank you for being part of this amazing community.