The Marine Conservation Society is a UK-based charitable organisation working with businesses, governments and communities to clean and protect oceans. Founded in 1978 as the Underwater Conservation Society, the group claims to be working towards "cleaner, better-protected, healthier UK seas where nature flourishes and people thrive." The charity also works in UK Overseas Territories.[1]
The Clean Seas work as a team to reduce pollution on beaches and in oceans by encouraging change within the public, the industries and the governments. Reducing reliance on single-use plastic is one of their focal points, with a focus on the impact of PFAS or 'forever chemicals'.[2]
The Fisheries and Aquaculture team encourages sustainable fishing methods. They work to stop overfishing and replace stock. Additionally, they promote the eating of sustainable seafood via the Good Fish Guide.[3]
The Ocean Recovery works as a team with management authorities and local communities to manage marine protection projects and to protect oceans.[4]
The Marine Conservation Society is a membership organization and relies on income from members, individual donations and corporate support. The charity is sometimes known by its initials MCS.
Beachwatch[5] - the largest volunteer beach cleaning and litter survey in the UK has been running for over 25 years, involving almost 20,000 volunteer beach cleaners annually. The Great British Beach Clean is a national event which takes place every third weekend in September.[6]
Don't bottle it Boris worked towards introducing a bottle return program within the UK.[8]
Good Fish Guide - the guide (online, smartphone app and pocket paper version) includes the Marine Conservation Society "Fish to Eat" and "Fish to Avoid" lists and advice on choosing fish to eat from populations that aren't endangered or caught by means which may be considered habitat wrecking.[3]
1975 – Bernard Eaton (editor of Diver magazine) proposed an "Underwater Conservation Year" with the help of such key figures as David Bellamy. The first meeting was held in the Wig and Pen Club in Fleet Street.
1977 – The first "Conservation Year" with the Prince of Wales as president. Hundreds of divers surveyed marine habitats.
1978 – The "Underwater Conservation Society" was established in Ross-on-Wye on the success of the "Conservation Year". Bob Earll was the new UCS Project coordinator.
1983 – Name changed to Marine Conservation Society and registered with the Charity Commission .
The Marine Conservation Society won the Coast Magazine "Best Green Marine Campaign Award" in 2011 for its Beachwatch project.[12]
The charity's Great British Beach Clean project was shortlisted by the BBC Countryfile magazine "Awards for the Conservation Success of the Year" in 2018 and won the award.[13]
