
Latest news

Don't bottle Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme!
We've been campaigning for a Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland for almost ten years. Our latest beach clean data shows that drinks-related pollution isn't going away.

Behind the headlines: 'Forever chemicals'
The Marine Conservation Society's chemicals expert, Francesca, goes behind the headlines to give an update on the complicated world of ‘forever chemicals’ and what the latest news and research tells us about the chemical pollution problem.

Skomer Island: A marine conservation success story
Skomer Island is a well known jewel in Wales’ crown, sitting among the Pembrokeshire archipelago. But hiding under the surrounding waters are even greater treasures...

Celebrating Citizen Science Month
Citizen science is valuable in expanding our knowledge of the underwater world and allows anyone, anywhere to get involved in scientific research that brings about real change. Our projects provide vital data that helps us learn more about the ocean.

Citizen Science Month: What is citizen science?
Citizen science, sometimes also known as community science, is when members of the public work together with scientists to conduct scientific research. It’s a really useful science as more data can be collected over a larger area and it can help to inspire behaviour change in communities. It’s also fun to do!

14 incredible photos celebrating UK marine life
Today is World Wildlife Day and to mark the occasion, we've put together a selection of stunning ocean photography to celebrate the incredible marine life around the UK.

Positive Ocean News: February edition
It’s been a good month for our ocean, so we’ve rounded up some positive news stories from February to celebrate.

Champions for UK species in Parliament
We work with the RSPB on their Parliamentary Species Champion project. The project matches cross-party MPs with a variety of UK species in order to raise their profile within parliament and push for better protection for UK biodiversity.

The House of Lords to consider Retained EU Law Bill
This week, the House of Lords will be discussing amendments to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill - which repeals EU-derived laws in the UK at the end of 2023. Marine Conservation Society CEO, Sandy Luk, explores the damage this could cause to existing environmental protections in the UK.

Celebrating World Whale Day
Today is World Whale Day and to celebrate we got in touch with Hugh, a self-confessed ‘Orcaholic’ and founder of the award-winning eco-tourism business Shetland Wildlife. Hugh shared with us some great insights into the species of whale that visit UK wat

Legal case to stop sewage pollution: High Court grants hearing
In November, we joined a legal case against the UK Government for failing to address the deluge of sewage pollution being dumped on English shores. This week, the High Court has permitted a hearing for our case.

Turtle strandings on the rise this winter
Since November, a number of turtle strandings have been reported to the Marine Conservation Society, and Marine Environmental Monitoring, which maintains the database of UK and Irish turtle sightings. Learn more about turtles in UK waters and why turtles arrive on our shores in winter.

Dive into the fascinating world of Seasearch
This year, we’re celebrating 35 years of our Seasearch project. We chatted with diving enthusiast and Seasearch co-ordinator for Northern Ireland, Libby Keatley, to find out about the project and her experience in our wonderful seas.

Positive ocean news: January edition
Here's a roundup of the latest positive ocean stories from the past month, including protected Irish seas, penguins spotted from space, and a solution to microplastic pollution.

Windsurfer Sarah Jackson joins us as an Ocean Ambassador
Britain's top windsurfer has been forced to leave the UK to train, due to the amount of sewage being pumped into waterways. Sarah Jackson joins the Marine Conservation Society as an ambassador, pushing for a healthy ocean free from pollution.

Deposit Return Schemes: What will they mean for the UK?
Today’s announcement of Deposit Return Schemes in England and Wales is a sign of progress to reduce pollution levels across the UK. We investigate the finer details of the proposed schemes.

UK seas worth billions at risk from Retained EU Law Bill
The Retained EU Law Bill, which puts an expiry date on all EU-derived laws in the UK for the end of 2023, is being debated in the House of Commons today.

England latest UK nation to ban 'on the go' single-use plastics
On 14th January 2023, the UK Government confirmed that England will introduce a ban on single-use items including plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. The ban will be introduced in October 2023.

The Maldives - over a decade of diving
For over a decade we've been working to protect the reef system of the Maldives. Dr Jean-Luc Solant, our Principal Specialist in Marine Protected Areas shares an update on our Reef Check project.

Become an 'Ocean Voice' in 2023
Fancy a new challenge for the new year? If you’d like to do more for our ocean in 2023, read on to find out about two new volunteering opportunities