The Shore Thing

Quadrat Survey

The Shore Thing is an initiative of MarLIN, the Marine Life Information Network, working with schools and volunteer recorders to collect information on the marine life of rocky shores around Britain. All the information collected will be made available online and will help to build a picture of how things are now to measure change in the future.

 

News and Events

The Shore Thing has moved into a new phase with the completion of the Heritage Lottery funding in April.  We are very grateful to HLF for their support as the funding has enabled us to establish over 70 survey sites around the UK, develop resources and raise awareness of the marine environment to over 2,000 participants.


The value of the project for education and monitoring of marine biodiversity has been recognized by the statutory nature conservation agencies; Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Natural England (NE).  Each of the agencies has agreed to fund the project for one year (2010/11) with the potential for funding to be extended until 2012.  The Shore Thing project addresses some of the key issues raised by SNH, CCW and NE. For example, the surveys are tailored to look for 22 key species, some of which are invasive marine aliens (e.g. Sargassum muticum - wireweed and Crepidula fornicata - slipper limpets), while others are indicators of climate change and warming seas (e.g.  Asterina gibbosa, Cushion stars).  Marine aliens and climate change are both high priority issues facing British biodiversity and all three of the shore things funders have designated time and money to researching these issues.


This continued support will allow us to ensure established sites are surveyed regularly, increase the participation of schools and voluntary groups, develop resources/support material and increase the public's awareness of the marine issues in England, Scotland and Wales.

Species of the Month

Over the past three years Species of the Month has featured all 22 climate change indicators used during the Shore Thing timed species search and a number of non-native species. Click here to see the full list of species and accompanying information.