Based on Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) is a not for profit, voluntary community group which recognises and values the amazing marine biodiversity right on our shoreline and the need to protect it for future generations.
Established in 1995 by 2 local divers, membership has grown to 1800 in 2009.

COAST’s vision is to protect maerl beds and other seabed habitats, regenerate fish and scallop populations and to enhance the marine biodiversity in Lamlash Bay through the creation of a No Take Zone and a Marine Protected Area.

Coast is currently funded by grants from Esmee Fairbairn and Scottish Natural Heritage and has received support from the Marine Conservation Society and the Lottery.

COAST also endeavours to:

• Educate others, especially children, on the need for marine conservation through local, national and international events.
• Improve the marine environment in our own “backyard”, determining success through rigorous monitoring.
• Help sustain the livelihood of those dependant on fishing and tourism.
• Increase the popularity of the area as both a diving site and tourist destination.
• Reverse the dramatic decline of local fish stocks.
• Inform and advise others committed to marine conservation of our experience of community based action.
• Contribute to the development of national legislation to improve the health of our seas.

Show your support and join for free, just click on the link to the left.

Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran, Scotland is a Community Marine Conservation Area.  At  the North end of Lamlash Bay is the first Scottish NO TAKE ZONE. Designated by the Scottish Government on the 20th September 2008.  A No Take Zone (NTZ) is an area of sea and seabed from which no marine life can be removed by any method.

THE STRATEGIC AIMS OF COAST
 
1. Work with and assist everyone involved in the implementation of the NO TAKE ZONE (NTZ). Keep the wider public informed about progress. Ensure the NTZ is fairly, openly and effectively enforced and scientifically monitored.
 
2. Pursue legislation to make the remaining part of Lamlash Bay a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in which no mobile fishing is permitted. This was in the proposal presented to the Scottish Government in February 2005.
 
3. Continue to apply pressure on the Government, Fishing and Aquaculture industries to adopt non-destructive, sustainable fishing methods. In this way, COAST believes, Scotland will move, over time, to sustainable and productive fisheries. Environmental sustainability will always be at the top of COAST's agenda. From that will flow economic and social sustainability in communities.  COAST has a strategic role to play in bringing increased awareness to the wider public that the food security of Scotland, through sustainable fisheries, is of paramount importance not just for this generation but for our grandchildren and generations beyond.

   January 2010