MCS in Scotland also co-ordinate a growing programme of Seasearch training, diving and expeditions. With an astonishing 16,491km of coastline, decision-makers don’t always know what lives where in the seas surrounding Scotland. Following training by MCS, Seasearch volunteers can help by mapping the distribution of rare, vulnerable or unusual species and habitats, ultimately helping in their conservation.

Since co-ordination began by MCS Scotland in 2000, over 20 Seasearch courses with over 200 attendees have been run, at least eight expeditions co-ordinated and over 1,200 records returned, most of which are on the National Biodiversity Network. The latest Seasearch Scotland newsletter can be read here and summary reports of events in Scotland can be found on the main Seasearch website. Regular Seasearch articles are also written for the Scottish Sub-Aqua Clubs Scottish Diver magazine which can be read here. In early 2005, regional Seasearch co-ordinators were also appointed in North East Scotland and West Scotland to help expand the project. After a very busy few years of Seasearch activity in northeast Scotland, Marion Perutz has moved on to full-time work and her successor in autumn 2008 is Chris Rickard.

Calum Duncan
Seasearch Scotland co-ordinator

Chris Rickard
Seasearch North East Scotland co-ordinator

Owen Paisley
Seasearch West Scotland co-ordinator

Visit the Seasearch Training and Diving sections of the Seasearch website for details of upcoming events in Scotland.