Big Seaweed Search

BSS is a new partnership citizen science project with MCS and the Natural History Museum – although the survey itself is not new as it launched in 2009. The BSS is all about unlocking the secrets of our seaweeds to track change on British seashores. We invite individuals and groups to contribute to real scientific research by searching for seaweeds all around the British Isles, to help us better understand and protect this vitally important habitat. At the same time volunteers will hopefully enjoy exploring the coast with friends or family.

The British Isles is globally important for seaweeds, being home to more than 650 species. Seaweeds create the underwater structure and habitat that provides shelter and food for thousands of marine creatures, such as urchins and fish. Seaweeds support commercial fisheries, are used in foods, cosmetics and medicines, and protect our coasts by reducing wave action and storm damage. Because of this economic impact, it’s important for us to monitor them so we can understand and sustainably manage these vital resources.

The Big Seaweed Search will focus on three key environmental changes: sea temperature rise, ocean acidification, and the spread of non-native species. We are asking people to search for 14 seaweeds, the distribution and abundance of which may be affected by these changes. The search should take about an hour at low tide and all the resources are online or a survey guide can be requested by emailing seaweeds@nhm.ac.uk.

MCS may be able to offer some training to groups and potentially individuals if there is enough interest in the SW. If you are interested please contact Jules Agate (jules.agate@mcsuk.org).