Across the internet, debates are being undertaken regarding the definition of ‘sustainable fisheries’. Some argue that whilst there is still room for improvement, some fisheries are well managed and are seeing stock improvements. Others argue we aren’t currently going far enough to be sustainable truly. Others argue that sustainable fishing doesn’t exist at all and that it never will. Then you have some who will say it’s not sustainable fishing unless it leaves the fishery better than it started. This is regenerative fishing, and I am all for it. But it’s a separate type of fisheries management, which I’ll cover in another set of content.
It can be difficult to confirm the consensus, so I thought I would craft a post using my real-world experience of ‘sustainable fishing’ and what the phrase means to me as a marine biologist and commercial fisheries consultant.
So, what does ‘sustainable fishing’ mean to me?
To ‘sustain’ means to enable something to continue, to maintain it in a way that ensures it always exists. To continue without interruption.
That’s easy enough, but laying ‘sustain’ over fisheries can become more nuanced. A fishery managed to below its Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and supported with management such as closed periods, closed nursery areas or restocking enables the stock to exist much as it does, forever. It can ‘sustain’ its health.
However, we cannot determine sustainability by looking at stock size alone. A fishery might have a healthy stock, able to sustain both a commercial fishery and its stock size, however the impact it is having on other fisheries might not be sustainable. Without forethought and eyes on the larger picture, interactions of one fishery with another could be detrimental.
To be truly ‘sustainable’ a fishery must look at not only its impact on stock numbers and health, but its impact on the environment and other species dependant on it, as well as its interactions with other fisheries, and its social importance to coastal communities.
So, no, it isn’t easy to define—and it isn’t easy to manage fisheries sustainably.
But it isn’t impossible – and it is happening already!
I will cover sustainable fisheries and fishing techniques more in the coming months, with UK examples of real-world sustainable fisheries management.
DEFINITIONS
A sustainable fishery is managed and maintained in various ways to ensure fish populations stay at a healthy level and avoid population decline.
Sustainable fisheries management ensures the stock is maintained for the health and balance of the ocean and can ‘sustain’ both its population size over time and a low-impact, artisanal fishing industry, providing a sustainable food source long into the future.
Sustainable fishing is the use of fishing methods that are able to limit or remove their impact on the marine ecosystem. These fishing methods should be able to sustain a commercial artisanal fishery, but not leave lasting impact on the marine ecosystem.
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY): is defined as the maximum catch (in numbers or mass) that can be removed from a population over an indefinite period.
Artisanal: small-scale fishing practices, usually operated by individual fishermen from coastal communities operating with low capital and low technology.
One of the questions I am regularly asked is how to get involved in marine conservation efforts when you don’t have a relevant degree or don’t live by the coast. It’s a great question! So here’s the answer: you can most definitely get involved in marine conservation. A passion for the oceans is all you need!
I’ve compiled a list of ways you could get involved, including some options for those who don’t have access to the coast.
Marine conservation for those who can’t access the coast
One of my favourites is NeMO-Net. If you have access to an iPad, you can help NASA by playing their single-player iPad game, where players help to classify coral reefs by painting 3D and 2D images of coral. Players can rate the classifications of other players and level up in the food chain as they explore and classify coral reefs and other shallow marine environments and creatures from locations all over the world!
2. Zooniverse – Floating Forests: An online platform where volunteers can help scientists study the health of the world’s kelp forests by analyzing satellite images. Participants look for kelp in ocean photos from around the globe, aiding in understanding and conserving these important marine habitats.
3. The Plastic Tide – Although operations might vary or evolve, The Plastic Tide has used drone technology and image recognition to map plastic pollution on beaches around the world. Volunteers can help by tagging images of marine debris online, improving the algorithm’s ability to identify plastics. This contributes to larger efforts in combating plastic pollution in the oceans.
4. Seabird Watch – A citizen science project that uses remote cameras around the world to monitor seabird colonies. Volunteers help by tagging images to contribute to conservation research.
5. Plankton Portal – A web-based project where volunteers classify plankton images collected from automated underwater vehicles. The classifications help scientists understand plankton distribution and health, which are foundational to marine food webs.
6. Fish doorbell – Every spring, fish swim right through Utrecht, looking for a place to spawn and reproduce. Some swim all the way to Germany. There is a problem, however: they often have to wait a long time at the Weerdsluis lock on the west side of the inner city, as the lock rarely opens in spring. But there is a solution: the fish doorbell! If you see a fish, press the digital fish doorbell. The lock operator is sent a signal and can open the lock if there are enough fish. Now, you can help fish make it through the canals of Utrecht.
These projects enable people, regardless of their proximity to the ocean, to contribute to marine conservation efforts, highlighting the global nature of preserving marine environments. Participation in these initiatives helps in collecting valuable data for scientific research, advocacy, and policy-making aimed at protecting the world’s oceans and marine life.
Marine conservation projects for those who can access the coast
Focusing specifically on UK marine conservation and for those who have access to the coast, here are six citizen science projects and initiatives that aim to involve volunteers in protecting and understanding marine life and habitats around the UK. These projects offer engaging ways for volunteers to contribute to marine conservation in the UK, aiding in the protection and study of the country’s rich marine environments and biodiversity.
1. Seasearch – This is a project for volunteer scuba divers who want to contribute to the knowledge of marine life and the conservation of marine habitats around the UK and Ireland. During their dives, divers collect data on marine species and habitats, which contributes to marine conservation and protection efforts.
2. Capturing Our Coast (CoCoast) – A UK-wide project that invites volunteers to get involved in scientific research along the coast. Participants help by conducting surveys and collecting data on coastal species and habitats, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity and responses to environmental changes.
3. The Big Seaweed Search – Run by the Marine Conservation Society in partnership with the Natural History Museum, this project encourages people to record different seaweed species along the UK’s shores. The data helps scientists understand how marine environments are changing in response to factors like climate change and invasive species.
4. Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt – The Shark Trust’s initiative engages the public in searching for and identifying shark, skate, and ray eggcases (mermaid’s purses) along the coastline. The sightings contribute to the knowledge of shark nursery grounds and species distributions in UK waters.
5. ORCA OceanWatchers – Part of ORCA, a UK-based marine conservation organization, this project trains ferry and cruise passengers and crew to collect data on whale, dolphin, and porpoise sightings during their voyages around the UK. The data aims to enhance the understanding of cetacean distribution and support conservation measures.
6. British Diver Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) – was formed in 1988 when a few like-minded divers got together in response to a mass mortality of common seals. BDMLR is a people’s charity. Some people become supporters of our charity with a yearly subscription, whilst others want to get much more hands-on and undertake the training to be a Marine Mammal Medic.
7. Marine Debris Tracker – A mobile app that lets users report the location of marine debris, including in inland waterways, which eventually lead to the ocean. This project contributes to understanding the sources and distribution of marine trash, informing efforts to prevent plastic pollution and protect marine life.
8. SharkBase – A global shark encounter database run by project AWARE, where divers and non-divers can report shark sightings. The data helps in the conservation efforts for sharks around the world.
How I got to where I am – and how you can be a marine biologist, too.
Throughout the years, I have been asked for advice on how to become a marine biologist and to explain how I got to where I am in my career. Whilst I am more than happy to answer these questions, I must highlight that my journey is merely an example of a path taken. There are many paths to get there, so if your life doesn’t look like mine, it doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t achieve great things!
Who can study marine biology?
Anyone, and at any age. If you want to go to university straight from college, that’s an option, but so is going at 21, like I did, or at 30, like my Dad did. All you need to study marine biology is a passion for the ocean; even without A levels, you can get a marine biology degree. I did; I got 2! Many universities offer a foundation year alongside their marine biology degrees, meaning those without A levels or those who have been out of education for some time can undertake a degree. I know the message to young people is often that university is a must and it must be straight from school, but this isn’t true, and it isn’t the only option. Taking the time to experience the world and work out what you don’t want can be an important step to realising what you do want. Many universities encourage ‘mature’ students, as usually, it means they are truly sure of the path they want to take, so if you’re not sure, you don’t need to decide straight away; you’ve got time.
I have compiled a list of the universities offering a marine course with a foundation year and included it below.
Where can you study marine biology?
The UK has an affinity with the ocean; being an island nation, the furthest from the sea you can be is around 80 miles; because of this, numerous universities offer marine biology courses, giving you many options.
This list is not exhaustive, and offerings may change, so it’s advisable to check directly with universities for the most current information.
1. University of Aberdeen
2. Bangor University
3. University of Plymouth
4. University of Portsmouth
5. Newcastle University
6. University of Southampton
7. Heriot-Watt University
8. University of St Andrews
9. University of Stirling
10. University of Dundee
11. Queen’s University Belfast
12. University of Swansea
13. University of Exeter
14. University of Glasgow
15. University of Hull
16. University of Essex
17. University of York
18. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (MBA) – Offers postgraduate degrees in partnership with the University of Plymouth.
19. Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)—An academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, SAMS offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
20. University of Sussex
21. University of Edinburgh
22. University of Liverpool
These universities offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD opportunities in marine biology and related fields such as oceanography, marine science, marine conservation, and coastal ecology. Programs may focus on specific aspects like marine biotechnology, fisheries biology, marine policy and management, marine environmental management, fisheries management, or marine and freshwater biology.
Prospective students should explore each university’s specific course offerings, facilities (like marine stations and research vessels), fieldwork opportunities, and faculty expertise to find the program that best matches their interests and career goals.
Universities that offer a foundation year
Universities offering marine biology degrees with an integrated foundation year provide a valuable pathway for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements for a standard degree course. Foundation years are designed to equip students with the necessary academic skills and knowledge to progress onto the full degree program in marine biology or a related field. Here’s a list of UK universities that typically offer a marine biology degree with an option for a foundation year. This might change, however, so, it’s essential to verify the current availability and specific entry requirements directly with each university:
1. Bangor University: Offers a foundation year that leads into its marine biology degrees.
2. University of Plymouth: Known for its ocean and marine courses, including a foundation year option for those needing it.
3. University of Portsmouth: Provides an integrated foundation year for students aiming to study marine biology.
4. University of Hull: Offers a foundation year in biological and environmental sciences, suitable for progression to its marine biology courses.
5. Swansea University: Provides foundation years for various science degrees, including marine biology.
6. University of Sussex: Offers a Science Foundation Year, including pathways into biology, which may accommodate students interested in marine biology.
7. University of Liverpool: This university offers a foundation year option for Science and Engineering, which can lead to its marine biology undergraduate programs.
8. Heriot-Watt University: Offers an International Foundation Programme for Global Environmental and Sustainability Studies, a potential pathway into marine biology.
9. Newcastle University: Through the INTO Newcastle University program, the university provides a foundation year for many of its science degrees, including marine biology.
When looking at courses with foundation years, it’s crucial to check:
– The specific content and focus of the foundation year to ensure it aligns with your interests and goals. – Entry requirements and progression criteria to the full degree program. – How integrated the foundation year is with the subsequent degree years, in terms of both academic content and student support.
My journey so far
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with animals, but I hadn’t enjoyed my veterinary work experience, so I was unsure what career path I wanted to take; that was until one day, I found myself looking through uni prospectus’ where I came across the marine biology course at Hull university – it was a light bulb moment. Despite watching any ocean documentary I could find, I hadn’t thought it a viable option to study marine biology in the UK; after reading the Hull course layout, I promptly googled ‘What job could I get with a marine biology degree’ and decided I liked the options, and that was that.
Before starting university, I volunteered with the RSPB. It was nerve-wracking initially, learning how to approach people and engage them on conservation topics, but I gave it my all, and my engagement skills grew. Through this volunteering, I made a contact who recommended me for a job role with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust; here, I developed my engagement skills further, attending local events, garden centres, and farmers markets to engage the public in local conservation. I continued to volunteer for the RSBP and was lucky enough to attend the Birmingham Dive Show, representing the RSPB on a stand; I signed up so many new members that my manager treated me to a year’s subscription to the shark magazine – I was thrilled. Also, I met Monty Hall, whose Fishermen Apprentice TV series had convinced me I needed to be in Cornwall to work in fisheries management. (Nerdy selfie included below).
Whilst my time with both the RSPB and the Wildlife Trust covered predominantly local land conservation, the skills I developed were the reason I got my job with Surfers Against Sewage. If you are able to volunteer at a local conservation charity, you might feel at times like you’re wasting your time because it’s not marine-relevant, but you genuinely are not. Not only are you helping raise awareness of some great conservation efforts and help garner support, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to develop your skillset and contact base; I would 100% recommend it. Being able to volunteer your time is not always easy and sometimes just not possible, though I had to work full time alongside my volunteering, so it often meant volunteering at weekends. If volunteering in this manner is not feasible for you, do not worry; there are lots of marine conservation efforts you can get involved in from home, and I have compiled a list for my next post!
I went to university at 21, without A levels. That statement usually garners shock – most people aren’t aware you can go to university without them, so I tell whoever I can so no opportunities are missed.
I undertook a foundation year at the University of Hull before progressing to the Marine and Freshwater Biology, Bachelor of Science degree. I loved Hull; I had a great four years. My lecturers were inspiring and so knowledgeable. It was here my passion for fisheries management was first ignited.
Once my degree at Hull University was completed, I returned to Nottingham and took a few years to do other grown-up things, but I had my heart set on Cornwall. So, in 2017, I applied for a master’s at Plymouth University. I was accepted in June and moved on September 12th. Three days later, I started my master’s degree. I loved my year at Plymouth, but I have to be truthful. It was hard and realistically only possible for me to undertake because I had my husband’s support. I worked full-time as a face-to-face fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage, as well as undertaking a full-time research project. I convinced the lab technicians to let me take a microscope home to process my samples late at night or while working away. At times, I didn’t think I’d make it – but I did, and in 2018, I graduated with a Master of Applied Marine Science.
After graduating from Plymouth, I looked for work in fisheries management. It was six months before I landed my role with the Marine Management Organisation. I spent four and a half years with the MMO as a warranted Marine Enforcement Officer. It taught me a lot, and I’m grateful to have experienced fisheries management within the UK first-hand. Still, for various reasons, I wanted to move on, and in 2023, I became a commercial fisheries consultant.
What’s my advice for prospective marine biologists
I won’t lie – its a hard journey wanting to work in conservation, jobs are competitive, many expect years of experience for little pay. You will hear no, many times. But I truly believe if it’s what you want and you persevere even when it feels hopeless, you can achieve it. Ultimately, the ones who get where they want to be are the ones who don’t give up.
So, my main advice is to persevere and follow your passion.
There are so many fields within marine biology; find your niche. if you’re unsure of what niche you want to work in, don’t limit yourself too quickly; try a few first. If you get years of experience in one particular topic but then want to change, it can be hard to move without the experience.
Stick with marine biology — if marine biology is the area you want to work in, don’t pursue opportunities within freshwater. I’ve heard some people advise getting experience in freshwater and then transitioning to marine, but if I’m completely honest, I’ve seen this backfire for people, and it can be really hard to move to marine when you’ve got years of freshwater experience, and you’re competing for roles with people who have years of marine experience.
Work on your LinkedIn. Many people underestimate its usefulness. Many times, it’s about who you know rather than what you know. Build your contacts in relevant areas, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
If you’re going to do a PhD, make sure you are obsessed with the topic. It is a long slog, and if you’re merely interested in the thing you’re studying, it will be immensely hard (and it’s hard even when you are obsessed)
So that’s it. The basics of becoming a marine biologist, i hope you’ve found it useful and are on your way to following your passion. You can do it!
Exploring the variety of creatures found in British rockpools, with interesting facts, photos, videos and scientific I.D drawings that help you identify which marine creature you’ve found – this is the page for you if you love exploring rockpools.
The Common Hermit Crab – Eupagurus bernhardus
There are many species of hermit crab around the UK but the most common, is the aptly named, common hermit crab. Identified by its size, the large right claw which is covered in tubercles (small lumps on the shell) and the distinctive red and cream banded markings the hermit is easy to spot if you stand and wait patiently for them to run across the rockpool.
The common hermit crab grows up to 3.5cm in length – so not your biggest rockpool occupant.
Unable to make their own shells they instead live in empty sea snail shells, particularly those of whelks and periwinkles. They move in and out of these shells, swapping them out for bigger as they grow. Hermit crabs have incredibly tough pincers but a soft body which is protected by the sea shell home.
Found on rocky shores down to around 150m depth, they are plentiful along the UK coast. Opportunistic scavengers they walk across the seabed feeding on whatever plant or animal matter they find.
Usually observed amongst rockpools hidden inside their shell, their eyes, claws and legs protruding outwards if threatened they will retreat into their shell completely. When escaping a threat they will run backwards with their claws trailing and can move at impressive speeds for such small oddly shaped creatures.
If you gently lift a hermit crab out of the water and sit them in the palm of your hand you may discover you’ve found a brave hermit and be lucky enough to see them poke out their legs and stand up. If no legs appear after a minute you’ve found a ‘play dead’er’ so pop them back where you found them and move on.
When two hermit crabs meet each other, one may attempt to steal the others shell by forcibly evicting the current owner. The aggressor will size up the shell and determine if its larger than their current home and if it is – they will knock on the shell. This draws out its current owner (because apparently even in the world of hermit crabs its rude not to answer the door! ha) they then fight and the victorious keeps the larger shell.
Don’t forget – when rockpooling be gentle and light footed, don’t hold sea creatures for long and return them (and any rocks you move) back to where you found them.
infographic detailing impact of sun and moons gravitational pull on earths oceans and the resulting tidesinfographic detailing impact of sun and moons gravitational pull on earths oceans and the resulting tides
Working along the Cornish coast means I have to be aware of when the high and low tides are each day to get my job done, but for many tides are a thing they know happen but don’t understand and some people aren’t aware that the ocean moves at all.
Knowing the basics about the tides is important if you are going to be around the ocean. Especially if you want to enjoy ocean-related activities – you can’t go rock pooling at high tide!
A simple explanation of the tides
Tides refer to the rise and fall of the ocean which is caused by the interactions between the moon, sun and earth. Generally, most coastal areas have two high and low tides a day.
There are 4 stages of tides:
1. Sea level rises gradually over several hours – flood tide 2. The water level is at its highest level – high tide 3. Sea level falls gradually over several hours – ebb tide 4. The sea level stops falling, reaching its lowest level – low tide
But what causes tides?
The short answer is that the moon’s gravitypulls the ocean towards it. But in fact, what generates tides is the combined gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the earth. The gravitational pull of the moon and the earth’s daily rotation cause the tides to go in and out, the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun combined with their position compared to the earth, causes the tidal range to vary throughout the month, causing the highest high tide and lowest low tide.
How?
The moon’s gravity pulls the ocean towards it causing a bulge, (lunar tide/high tide) on the side of the earth closest to the moon.
This causes a ‘squeeze’ on the earth and pushes the ocean into another bulge on the opposite side of the earth.
The suns gravity also affects the tides, although much weaker than the effects of the moon, when both are in line with the earth (when a full moon or new moon occurs) their combined gravity cause very high tides (spring tides) and very low tides (neap tides).
infographic showing the gravitational pull of the moon and sun relative to the earths position and its impact on tides
It is important to be aware of tides when around the ocean; flood tides can be fast-moving and cut you off quickly if you aren’t paying attention, and the tide going out can be deadly if in the water at the wrong place and time. Always check your tides before heading to the sea – a quick google search ‘high tide’ and the beach you’re visiting.
Tide tables
A tide table is essential for low-tide exploration. If you’re planning activities that depend on a low tide, it is wise to be sure of when the low tide is. But what is a tide table?
A tide table is a handy tool that outlines a particular area’s dates, times and tide predictions. Tide tables are used to determine when the tide changes and when it will be at its very lowest and very highest, helping you find the best tidal conditions for your favourite water activity.
A typical page from a tide table:
diagram of typical tide table with labels
Find the right date
Once you know what activity you want to undertake, pick your date and look for it on the appropriate tide table.
Determine high tide
If you want to get out in or on the water for wild swimming, boating or kayaking, you will want to know how high the tide will be at its highest and at what time. High tide predicts how high above chart datum, the average of low tide heights for the area, the tide will be at its biggest swell. Look at what time low and high tides will occur, remembering that in most places, the low and high tides are semi-diurnal and occur twice daily. In an area that experiences high tides twice a day, it generally takes about 6 hours for the tide to recede from high to low completely.
You want to organise your visit around the low tide for rock pooling. It’s worth arriving well before low tide, following the tide out, allowing you the maximum time to explore the lower shore and affording the opportunity to observe marine life as it retreats into hiding. Take care to avoid getting carried away and too distracted discovering various Rockpool species not to notice the tide rushing in on the returning tide. Be careful to stay ahead of the incoming tide and be wary, as gullies can fill in quickly. Allow plenty of time to return to the high beach before the tide comes rushing in.
Time and tide wait for no man. William Shakespeare 1606
Don’t forget to check the weather alongside the tide chart; weather can influence the height of the waves. For example, high wind can cause waves to rise by more than a foot.
