Marine Conservation Society

Description

The Marine Conservation Society is a UK environmental charity working for the future of the ocean.

Founded in 1978 as the Underwater Conservation Society, it drives political and social change through people, science and evidence, protecting habitats and regenerating marine ecosystems. It works in partnership with communities, businesses and governments across England, Scotland, Wales and UK Overseas Territories, including Caribbean territories such as Anguilla, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos.

Its programmes cover reducing pollution and single-use plastics, promoting sustainable fishing and seafood through its Good Fish Guide, and managing marine protected area projects with local communities. It runs Beachwatch, the UK’s largest volunteer beach cleaning and litter survey, including the annual Great British Beach Clean. It has campaigned for policy changes such as the carrier bag charge, bans on single-use plastics and microbeads, and deposit return schemes for drinks containers.

The society also works on species and habitat restoration, including oyster reintroduction projects in Scotland and turtle tracking and conservation in the Caribbean. It is a membership organisation, relying on income from members, individual donations and corporate support.