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Marine Life & Conservation

MCS want you to report jellyfish and turtles on our shores 

Published

2 years ago

on

The Marine Conservation Society’s Wildlife Sightings programme focusses on two key marine animals: jellyfish and, as a result, turtles. Both are vital in supporting ocean biodiversity and are indicators of changes in our ocean, like warming waters.

Since 2003, when the Marine Conservation Society’s Wildlife Sightings programme began, the charity has had 18,580 sightings reported – 18,357 of jellyfish and 223 of turtles.

Jellyfish can be spotted year-round in UK and Irish seas, but larger blooms are more likely to appear in spring, lasting through until autumn. Jellyfish sighting records from 2022 show that the most frequently reported jellyfish species were the moon jellyfish, accounting for 22% of sightings, followed by the barrel jellyfish at 21%. The compass jellyfish and lion’s mane jellyfish were also commonly sighted, comprising 19% and 15% of the reports, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence of jellyfish species in UK and Irish seas.

Sightings of jellyfish and turtles should be reported online when spotted by beach or sea goers to support ongoing research. Identification and reporting take just a few minutes using the charity’s easy identification cards and online form.

During spring and summer, jellyfish arrive in the UK and Ireland’s warming waters to feed, feasting on plankton blooms and the array of eggs and larvae of fish, crustaceans, starfish and molluscs which are common at this time of year.

With healthy fish stocks and rich biodiversity, jellyfish quickly become part of an effective food chain. Many species, from tuna to turtles, will feed on jellyfish of various sizes. Supported by a rich and diverse ocean ecosystem, jellyfish link the microscopic world of plankton to larger marine animals and the ocean around them.

The charity’s data shows an increasing trend in some species being spotted on our shores over the last 20 years, such as Portuguese man o’War. Research has suggested that an increase in some jellyfish numbers around UK could be related to climate change, however, currently there isn’t enough evidence to make this link. The Marine Conservation Society’s Wildlife Sightings programme aims to collect long term data which can be used as a reference to study the reality of jellyfish trends in UK waters.

Jellyfish are especially appealing for marine turtles to eat. Six of the world’s seven marine turtle species have been spotted in UK seas, some of which arrive due to large abundances of jellyfish in spring and summer. The charity also reported an increase in marine turtles earlier this year, when strong currents and winds potentially blew turtles off their usual course and into our seas. The charity has a Turtle Code information sheet which shows what to do with a beached turtle.

The largest sea turtle, and the most common in UK and Irish seas, is the leatherback, which has a ‘vulnerable’ conservation status. Reporting sightings of these incredible creatures will support the Marine Conservation Society and others in understanding their movements, potential threats and how better to protect them.

The charity’s volunteers submitted 223 turtle sightings since 2003, which feeds into a national database which recorded nearly 1,000 (946) turtle sightings over the same period. The research is used to inform policies and introduce conservation strategies to better protect our ocean and its inhabitants.

Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery at the Marine Conservation Society, said:“Without your data, we wouldn’t be able to prove that our ocean is facing problems, or push for solutions that are backed by science. Data on jellyfish and turtles helps us build a picture of life in UK and Irish seas and track any changes that may occur because of things like climate change.  

“Since 2003, when our Wildlife Sightings programme began, you’ve reported over 18,000 sightings of jellyfish and turtles. We want to reach 20,000 sightings to mark our 20th year of tracking these species. Every contribution to our database is crucial in learning about our seas and helps us fight to protect them.”

The Marine Conservation Society uses wildlife sightings by citizen scientists to:

  • Discover how jellyfish and turtle populations are changing around the UK – specifically when and where they are occurring each year
  • Investigate trends in turtle sightings to find out more about how they use our waters
  • Explore whether jellyfish distribution can tell us more about where leatherback turtle feeding grounds may be

For more information on how to identify jellyfish and turtles, and to report a sighting, please visit the Marine Conservation Society’s website: www.mcsuk.org/sightings. 

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Marine Life & Conservation

Raising Awareness for Scuttle the Cuttle – A Global First in Tackling Microplastic Pollution

Published

4 days ago

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May 19, 2025

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Addressing the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution, a new innovation is turning the tide—by placing real-world environmental action in the hands of children. Scuttle the Cuttle, a microplastic-collecting tool designed specifically for young users, has been launched as a practical and inspiring way to involve families in beach cleanups.

Crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, Scuttle is a cuttlefish-shaped combination of bucket and sieve. Its engaging design, sustainability credentials, and focus on education make it more than just a toy—it’s a tool for change.

scuttle the cuttle

Designed for Impact

Scuttle’s core purpose is to help remove microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—from beaches. With a mesh size of 2.8mm, Scuttle can collect small plastic fragments and nurdles before they degrade further. This addresses a critical but often overlooked part of the plastic pollution problem.

Built for Young Eco-Heroes

Scuttle is ergonomically designed for both children and adults. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, it allows even the youngest users to contribute meaningfully to beach cleanups. Its approachable design turns environmental action into a fun and empowering activity for children and families.

Circular by Design

From production to end-of-life, Scuttle reflects a strong commitment to the circular economy. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and fully recyclable, it is manufactured with long-term use in mind. The product not only removes waste from the environment but also repurposes existing waste in its construction, reducing environmental impact across its lifecycle.

Community and Collaboration

In addition to its environmental function, Scuttle is part of a broader movement to build awareness and encourage local partnerships. It supports responsible sourcing, local collaborations, and community-driven conservation efforts.

Scuttle is now available for purchase and is positioned as the first product of its kind focused specifically on the collection of microplastics through kid-friendly, hands-on cleanup.

For more information about Scuttle the Cuttle, visit odysseyinnovation.com/pages/scuttle.

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Marine Life & Conservation

I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys

Published

6 days ago

on

May 17, 2025

By

The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.

This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.

“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”

Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph

The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:

Land & Shore Division:

  • Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person

  • DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person

  • KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person

Private Boat Division:

  • Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person

  • Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person

  • Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person

Dive Operator Division:

  • Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)

  • Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)

  • Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)

Special Awards:

  • Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)

  • Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies

Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education

The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.

“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar

Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.

To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.

Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.

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