Young & Old participate in Clearwater Open Day to learn techniques to monitor marine ecosystems
The Clear Water Group recently hosted a marine research and shoreline exploration day focused on the remarkable biodiversity revealed along our coast at low tide.
The event was held in the Cove Burgh Hall and we were joined by members of 1st Peninsula Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders whom provided tea and cakes as well as joining in with our activities.
The day began with an engaging presentation from local marine experts from the Clear Water Group, introducing participants to the survey techniques and research methods used to monitor coastal ecosystems. Everyone learned how marine species are identified and recorded, why long-term biodiversity monitoring matters and how citizen science can support marine conservation efforts both locally and nationally.
Photo credit: Clearwater group
Participants were also shown photographs and underwater images already gathered locally using specialist equipment including underwater drones. These images provided a fascinating insight into underwater habitats and species rarely seen from the shoreline, helping demonstrate the diversity and complexity of life beneath the surface.
As the tide retreated, rock pools, seaweed beds and sheltered shorelines became temporary windows into an underwater world usually hidden beneath the sea. Young people and volunteers carefully explored these habitats, discovering how many species rely upon our coastline for food, shelter and breeding grounds.
Photo credit: Clearwater Group
Throughout the survey, the group recorded an impressive variety of marine life including shanny fish sheltering beneath rocks, butterfish weaving through seaweed, breadcrumb sponge attached to rocky surfaces, whelks, crabs and a family of starfish found in deeper pools. Participants also discovered hedgehog maerl — a rare and important marine habitat formed by slow-growing pink coralline algae which supports a remarkable diversity of marine species and provides important nursery habitat for juvenile sea life.
All findings collected during the day will now contribute to a national biodiversity database, helping researchers and conservation groups better understand and monitor the health of marine ecosystems around Scotland’s coastline.
The event also highlighted the importance of communities working together to protect local waters. Adult members of both the Clear Water Group and the Scout Group also took part in the national Surfers Against Sewage demonstration, helping raise awareness of the impact of marine pollution and sewage discharges on coastal habitats, wildlife and public health.
Photo credit: Clearwater Group
The Clear Water Group would like to thank 1st Peninsula Scouts for their enthusiasm, support and willingness to become involved in hands-on environmental learning. Partnerships like these help strengthen local community connections while linking young people into wider national conversations around conservation, citizen science and protecting our seas for future generations.
A special thank you as well to everyone who supported the tea and cake stall, which raised £51 for the Scout Group. It was wonderful to see the community coming together in support of both youth development and environmental action.
We look forward to continuing to work together on future community and conservation projects.