Open Seas
@open-seas.bsky.social
Research, investigations & campaigns to recover the health of our coastal seas & promote sustainable seafood.
👇 #SayNoToScampi
https://www.openseas.org.uk/say-no-to-scampi/
👇 #DivedNotDredged
https://www.openseas.org.uk/dived-not-dredged/
👇 #SayNoToScampi
https://www.openseas.org.uk/say-no-to-scampi/
👇 #DivedNotDredged
https://www.openseas.org.uk/dived-not-dredged/
🐟 Pollack are found around rocky coastal waters, and feed on fish, squid, shrimp and crabs. Also known as lythe, this species is often mistaken for its close relative, the coalfish or saithe.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
🐟 Pollack are found around rocky coastal waters, and feed on fish, squid, shrimp and crabs. Also known as lythe, this species is often mistaken for its close relative, the coalfish or saithe.
🦈 Small-spotted catshark, otherwise known as the lesser-spotted dogfish, live close to the seabed either in shallow waters or up to 100 metres deep. They prey on crabs, molluscs, and small fish and curl into a doughnut shape when threatened.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
🦈 Small-spotted catshark, otherwise known as the lesser-spotted dogfish, live close to the seabed either in shallow waters or up to 100 metres deep. They prey on crabs, molluscs, and small fish and curl into a doughnut shape when threatened.
🐚 Blue-rayed limpet live on kelp and feed on its fronds. Though only exposed at very low tide, their brownish shells are marked with vivid blue lines making them a little easier to spot.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
🐚 Blue-rayed limpet live on kelp and feed on its fronds. Though only exposed at very low tide, their brownish shells are marked with vivid blue lines making them a little easier to spot.
⭐ Spiny starfish are the largest starfish in UK seas, growing up to 70 cm across. Its body is covered in white spines and it can be found in shallow coastal waters but also at depths of around 200 m.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
⭐ Spiny starfish are the largest starfish in UK seas, growing up to 70 cm across. Its body is covered in white spines and it can be found in shallow coastal waters but also at depths of around 200 m.
🐟 Sand eels may be small but they play a huge role in Scotland’s seas as a vital food source for seabirds, fish, and marine mammals.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
🐟 Sand eels may be small but they play a huge role in Scotland’s seas as a vital food source for seabirds, fish, and marine mammals.
🐠 Cuckoo wrasse are among Scotland’s most striking fish, spending their lives in rocky areas around the coast.
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
🐠 Cuckoo wrasse are among Scotland’s most striking fish, spending their lives in rocky areas around the coast.
This Sunday in Glasgow, we’re bringing together chefs, seafood enthusiasts, and scallop divers to explore how low-impact fishing can help protect marine habitats while keeping premium, sustainable seafood on our plates.
November 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
This Sunday in Glasgow, we’re bringing together chefs, seafood enthusiasts, and scallop divers to explore how low-impact fishing can help protect marine habitats while keeping premium, sustainable seafood on our plates.
With government commitments still waiting to be fulfilled, it’s time to turn what they have promised into robust action for Scotland’s underwater meadows.
📚 Read more about Scotland’s seagrass in our Ocean Witness Report at the link in bio. openseas.org.uk/ocean-witness/
📚 Read more about Scotland’s seagrass in our Ocean Witness Report at the link in bio. openseas.org.uk/ocean-witness/
November 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
With government commitments still waiting to be fulfilled, it’s time to turn what they have promised into robust action for Scotland’s underwater meadows.
📚 Read more about Scotland’s seagrass in our Ocean Witness Report at the link in bio. openseas.org.uk/ocean-witness/
📚 Read more about Scotland’s seagrass in our Ocean Witness Report at the link in bio. openseas.org.uk/ocean-witness/
Scotland has already lost an estimated 44% of its seagrass beds since 1936, and despite being recognised as a Priority Marine Feature for several years now, that protection on paper has done little to stop or slow further harm.
November 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Scotland has already lost an estimated 44% of its seagrass beds since 1936, and despite being recognised as a Priority Marine Feature for several years now, that protection on paper has done little to stop or slow further harm.
Effective conservation starts with knowing exactly what’s there. Seagrass meadows provide nursery grounds for young fish, stabilise the seabed, & slow coastal erosion. They also play a crucial role in capturing & storing carbon in the ocean, helping to mitigate climate change.
November 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Effective conservation starts with knowing exactly what’s there. Seagrass meadows provide nursery grounds for young fish, stabilise the seabed, & slow coastal erosion. They also play a crucial role in capturing & storing carbon in the ocean, helping to mitigate climate change.
As part of our #OceanWitnessReport, we mapped seagrass meadows across Scotland’s inshore waters, from Orkney to Islay. Our surveys revealed both the promise and the peril of these habitats: as some remain healthy and thriving, while others show clear signs of decline.
November 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
As part of our #OceanWitnessReport, we mapped seagrass meadows across Scotland’s inshore waters, from Orkney to Islay. Our surveys revealed both the promise and the peril of these habitats: as some remain healthy and thriving, while others show clear signs of decline.
#DYK seagrass is one of very few marine flowering plants that grows in UK waters? With green leafy shoots and tiny scale-like flowers, it produces seeds that germinate in sand, allowing the plant to thrive in the clean, clear water of shallow sandy bays and sheltered sounds 🌱🌊
November 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
#DYK seagrass is one of very few marine flowering plants that grows in UK waters? With green leafy shoots and tiny scale-like flowers, it produces seeds that germinate in sand, allowing the plant to thrive in the clean, clear water of shallow sandy bays and sheltered sounds 🌱🌊
📢 Join Scotland’s Climate March on Saturday 15th November to demand a better world from our coasts to our cities.
🌊 Assemble @ 11am, Glasgow Green
🪧 Global solidarity | Fair transition | Care for our planet
➡️ climatemarch.scot
#ScotlandsClimateMarch #COP30
@foescot.bsky.social
🌊 Assemble @ 11am, Glasgow Green
🪧 Global solidarity | Fair transition | Care for our planet
➡️ climatemarch.scot
#ScotlandsClimateMarch #COP30
@foescot.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 10:10 AM
📢 Join Scotland’s Climate March on Saturday 15th November to demand a better world from our coasts to our cities.
🌊 Assemble @ 11am, Glasgow Green
🪧 Global solidarity | Fair transition | Care for our planet
➡️ climatemarch.scot
#ScotlandsClimateMarch #COP30
@foescot.bsky.social
🌊 Assemble @ 11am, Glasgow Green
🪧 Global solidarity | Fair transition | Care for our planet
➡️ climatemarch.scot
#ScotlandsClimateMarch #COP30
@foescot.bsky.social
Happy #WorldBaskingSharkDay to these gentle giants who, lucky for us, frequent Scottish waters every summer. Did you know they're the second largest fish in the world?!
📸: Lars von Ritter Zahony / Ocean Image Bank
@baskingsharksco.bsky.social
📸: Lars von Ritter Zahony / Ocean Image Bank
@baskingsharksco.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Happy #WorldBaskingSharkDay to these gentle giants who, lucky for us, frequent Scottish waters every summer. Did you know they're the second largest fish in the world?!
📸: Lars von Ritter Zahony / Ocean Image Bank
@baskingsharksco.bsky.social
📸: Lars von Ritter Zahony / Ocean Image Bank
@baskingsharksco.bsky.social
They might look a little spooky or have some weird habits but these marine creatures are some of the most fascinating in Scotland’s seas. Any others you'd add to the list?
🐌 Nudibranchs
🦈 Sofa shark
🐭 Sea mouse
🐺 Wolffish
#HappyHalloween
🐌 Nudibranchs
🦈 Sofa shark
🐭 Sea mouse
🐺 Wolffish
#HappyHalloween
October 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
They might look a little spooky or have some weird habits but these marine creatures are some of the most fascinating in Scotland’s seas. Any others you'd add to the list?
🐌 Nudibranchs
🦈 Sofa shark
🐭 Sea mouse
🐺 Wolffish
#HappyHalloween
🐌 Nudibranchs
🦈 Sofa shark
🐭 Sea mouse
🐺 Wolffish
#HappyHalloween
We need a comprehensive, robust, & progressive National Marine Plan (NMP2) that maps out what activities are permitted where, & prioritises low-impact fisheries.
Scotland has a track record of being bold & world-leading in its legislation & policies, let’s keep that up for NMP2.
Scotland has a track record of being bold & world-leading in its legislation & policies, let’s keep that up for NMP2.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
We need a comprehensive, robust, & progressive National Marine Plan (NMP2) that maps out what activities are permitted where, & prioritises low-impact fisheries.
Scotland has a track record of being bold & world-leading in its legislation & policies, let’s keep that up for NMP2.
Scotland has a track record of being bold & world-leading in its legislation & policies, let’s keep that up for NMP2.
As we moved on to other areas, it became increasingly clear that the pattern of insufficient protection was not isolated but indicative of a systemic issue within Scotland’s MPA network.
Too many MPAs and PMFs remain merely "paper parks”, protected in theory but not in reality.
Too many MPAs and PMFs remain merely "paper parks”, protected in theory but not in reality.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
As we moved on to other areas, it became increasingly clear that the pattern of insufficient protection was not isolated but indicative of a systemic issue within Scotland’s MPA network.
Too many MPAs and PMFs remain merely "paper parks”, protected in theory but not in reality.
Too many MPAs and PMFs remain merely "paper parks”, protected in theory but not in reality.
But, despite commitments to protect these habitats (maerl beds here were legally recognised as a PMF in 2018), we witnessed damage to some of the maerl beds such as a clear straight line down the edge indicating that it had been “cut off” - an obvious sign of dredge damage.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
But, despite commitments to protect these habitats (maerl beds here were legally recognised as a PMF in 2018), we witnessed damage to some of the maerl beds such as a clear straight line down the edge indicating that it had been “cut off” - an obvious sign of dredge damage.
Around Handa Island, we found diverse marine life including dense maerl beds, kelp forests, sea sponges, and several species of starfish and hydroids showing how healthy protected areas can look when left undisturbed.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Around Handa Island, we found diverse marine life including dense maerl beds, kelp forests, sea sponges, and several species of starfish and hydroids showing how healthy protected areas can look when left undisturbed.
In Orkney, divers and businesses have witnessed new and increased dredging in inshore waters.
Dredging around Eday is of particular concern as it is taking place inside a proposed Priority Marine Feature zone, wiping out key habitat areas in a single pass.
Dredging around Eday is of particular concern as it is taking place inside a proposed Priority Marine Feature zone, wiping out key habitat areas in a single pass.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
In Orkney, divers and businesses have witnessed new and increased dredging in inshore waters.
Dredging around Eday is of particular concern as it is taking place inside a proposed Priority Marine Feature zone, wiping out key habitat areas in a single pass.
Dredging around Eday is of particular concern as it is taking place inside a proposed Priority Marine Feature zone, wiping out key habitat areas in a single pass.
Surveys from our #OceanWitnessReport show the reality of how this impacts vital seabed habitats.
In some “protected” zones, we've recorded dredge tracks, flattened maerl beds, and broken shell fragments - all clear signs of ongoing damage inside supposedly “protected" waters.
In some “protected” zones, we've recorded dredge tracks, flattened maerl beds, and broken shell fragments - all clear signs of ongoing damage inside supposedly “protected" waters.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Surveys from our #OceanWitnessReport show the reality of how this impacts vital seabed habitats.
In some “protected” zones, we've recorded dredge tracks, flattened maerl beds, and broken shell fragments - all clear signs of ongoing damage inside supposedly “protected" waters.
In some “protected” zones, we've recorded dredge tracks, flattened maerl beds, and broken shell fragments - all clear signs of ongoing damage inside supposedly “protected" waters.
Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has made repeated promises of stronger protection & enforcement for MPAs and PMFs.
Despite protections being introduced for some areas, many targets remain unfulfilled. The result: damage to marine habitats from dredging & trawling.
Despite protections being introduced for some areas, many targets remain unfulfilled. The result: damage to marine habitats from dredging & trawling.
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has made repeated promises of stronger protection & enforcement for MPAs and PMFs.
Despite protections being introduced for some areas, many targets remain unfulfilled. The result: damage to marine habitats from dredging & trawling.
Despite protections being introduced for some areas, many targets remain unfulfilled. The result: damage to marine habitats from dredging & trawling.
It’s time to put the ‘P’ back in MPA: Marine Protected Areas in Scotland (and around the world) exist on paper but not always in practice.
Here's what our #OceanWitnessReport uncovered ⬇️🧵🌊
Here's what our #OceanWitnessReport uncovered ⬇️🧵🌊
October 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
It’s time to put the ‘P’ back in MPA: Marine Protected Areas in Scotland (and around the world) exist on paper but not always in practice.
Here's what our #OceanWitnessReport uncovered ⬇️🧵🌊
Here's what our #OceanWitnessReport uncovered ⬇️🧵🌊
In Scotland's seas you don't have to travel far to experience an incredible range of marine life. From tiny invertebrates to mighty whale species – Alisdair Hughson of Keltic Seafare shares up close stories with the creatures that rely on healthy underwater habitats 🐬🐋🤿
October 28, 2025 at 9:12 AM
In Scotland's seas you don't have to travel far to experience an incredible range of marine life. From tiny invertebrates to mighty whale species – Alisdair Hughson of Keltic Seafare shares up close stories with the creatures that rely on healthy underwater habitats 🐬🐋🤿
The new UK Nephrops FIP was launched to improve sustainability management in the scampi supply chain, but just six months in actions are already being signficantly delayed, targets are moving, and transparency is lacking.
Meanwhile, supermarkets continue to market scampi as “responsibly sourced”.
Meanwhile, supermarkets continue to market scampi as “responsibly sourced”.
October 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
The new UK Nephrops FIP was launched to improve sustainability management in the scampi supply chain, but just six months in actions are already being signficantly delayed, targets are moving, and transparency is lacking.
Meanwhile, supermarkets continue to market scampi as “responsibly sourced”.
Meanwhile, supermarkets continue to market scampi as “responsibly sourced”.