Welcome to COAST
We are a community organisation working for the protection and restoration of the marine environment around Arran and the Clyde.
We aim to:
• improve the local marine environment for the benefit of everyone
• help sustain the livelihood of those dependent on fishing and tourism
• increase the popularity of the area as a diving site and tourist destination
• educate future generations on the need for marine conservation.
COAST is recognised worldwide as one the UK’s leading community marine conservation organisations. We were responsible for the establishment of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay.
We are now campaigning for effective management of the designated South Arran Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Marine Discovery Centre plans take off
The Arran Banner have published today a full feature on the Marine Protected Area celebration and plans for a new Marine Discovery Centre on Arran.
Feedback from the community and visitor surveys have confirmed the demand for this discovery centre which will educate and enthuse locals and visitors about Arran's marine environment and activities. It will also be a marine research hub and allow us to keep campaigning for healthy and productive seas for all.
We are now asking COAST supporters for their ideas (just send us an email) and to raise funds (here is our donations page) to make the Marine Discovery Centre a unique, innovative & fun asset, where the community will play a central role.
Please have a look at our KIPPER guide to learn how to report any illegal fishing in the South Arran Marine Protected Area.
February Newsletter: Islanders celebrate birth of South Arran MPA
Marine Protected Areas welcomed by communities, progressive fishermen and eNGOs
Representatives from coastal communities, scallop divers, sea anglers and conservation organisations showed their passion and support for MPAs at Holyrood last month, coinciding with a Rural Affairs Committee debate on the future of MPAs. To the delight of thousands of MPA supporters on Arran and throughout Scotland, the committee voted against a motion to annul MPAs by Jamie McGrigor (cons) MSP by seven votes to two. Read the full editorial and COAST February newsletter here
Communities demonstrating support for MPAs
Prawn lobby attack on Scotland's MPAs
Demonstration at Holyrood in support of MPAs next week
Not satisfied with having squeezed Scotland's Marine Protected Area network to a mere 3.5% of Scottish waters during 5 years of consultations, the Clyde-led prawn lobby is now seeking to have even this modest area annulled via the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee (RACCE) next Wednesday. This is a serious challenge to the democratically elected Scottish Government from a business lobby group who think they own Scotland's seas. If they succeed, the MPA network will be in tatters and our seas will be under their de facto management for decades to come. COAST will be representing the community that supports South Arran MPA at a demonstration at Holyrood on Wednesday the 27th from 8am and would be delighted if other MPA supporters were to join us. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Read the full article here
