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Two puffins stand on top of a rock with the sea in front of them. The puffins beaks are touching.

Marine wildlife A-Z

From acorn barnacle and angel shark right through to lion's mane jellyfish and tompot blenny, learn some fascinating marine facts with our new wildlife A-Z.

We are a leading UK environmental charity, working for our ocean’s future by driving political and social change through science and evidence - protecting habitats and regenerating ecosystems with communities, businesses and governments.

What we do

Our ocean is at a tipping point. We're fighting to turn the tide on ocean pollution and restore the health of the seas. Explore our ambitious projects, find out how we're protecting marine areas, and help us recover precious wildlife and habitats.

 

Learn more about our work
A white ethereal sea slug has long red porcupine-like spines extending from its back with white tips. It is striking photography with a black background.

Scarlet lady sea slug  |  Image credit: Paul Naylor

Why we do it

The ocean is fundamental to our existence: it contributes more than half of the oxygen we breathe, provides food and livelihoods for millions and supports our mental health and wellbeing.

 

Learn how the ocean helps our planet
A compass jellyfish swimming near the surface of clear blue water, it's brown compass markings pointing to a brown centre can be clearly seen on its bell.

A compass jellyfish  |  Image credit: Theo Vickers

Find a beach clean

Join one of our beach cleans and help keep Britain's beaches beautiful and our ocean safe for wildlife. There's lots of events to choose from over the summer, or we'll support you to run your own!

 

Make your clean count
A person wearing a navy blue Marine Conservation Society t-shirt, jeans, and a tan cap laughing while using a litter picker. The camera angle is low, looking up at the person against a bright, clear blue sky. A blurred plastic bottle is in the foreground.

Image credit: Rose Bainbridge

80

%

drop in plastic bags found on UK beaches since 5p charge was introduced

80

p

for every £1 donated is used for our charitable activities

16595

volunteers donating their time