Celebrating over 25 years of working to protect our precious seas
The Marine Conservation Society grew from the hard work and foresight of a great number of people, many of whom still actively support MCS to this day.
There was serious disquiet about the state of UK seas in the early 1970s, especially amongst scientists and SCUBA divers, who devised Underwater Conservation Year 1977. This event was especially championed by Diver Magazine’s Bernard Eaton, together with eminent scientists and public figures including HRH The Prince of Wales - who continues his unwavering support for MCS as our President today.
This momentum led to the formation of the Underwater Conservation Society, with a single paid project officer (firstly Dr Charles Sheppard then, for many years, Dr Bob Earll). The name “Marine Conservation Society” was officially adopted and registered with the Charity Commission in 1983.
Since that time, MCS has achieved major successes in protecting special wildlife, tackling sewage problems, helping the seafood-buying public, and influencing Government and industry.
Today, more than 7,000 supporters fund our work through membership, donations, and turtle adoption schemes.
More than 8,000 MCS volunteers clean up our beaches each year, and help us tackle marine litter at source.
Many millions of people are now aware of our vital work through our sustainable seafood, pollution and wildlife programmes, wildlife recording surveys, and the Cool Seas Roadshow.
