Grantee: Marine and Coastal Conservation of Loch Linnhe (MaCCOLL)

Duration:  12 months (June 2025 – June 2026)

 

Background

Marine biodiversity decline is both evident and ongoing across much of the West Coast of Scotland. Once abundant species such as Atlantic salmon and flapper skate are now classified as endangered and critically endangered respectively. A growing number of coastal community-led groups are leading the way in protecting and restoring marine environments at both the local and national scale.

 

The Project

Loch Linnhe stretches from the Sound of Mull to the foot of Ben Nevis, with several communities living along its rocky shoreline. In January 2024, Duror and Kentallan, two villages on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, formed Marine and Coastal Conservation of Loch Linnhe (MaCCOLL) .

They quickly identified a lack of data on species and habitats in their local marine environment as a significant barrier towards reversing biodiversity decline. A range of biodiversity baseline surveys will thus take place, to guide and inform future projects to protect and restore biodiversity.

Volunteer teams have been established across three species-focussed groups: flapper skate, salmon, and otters. A dedicated Project Officer will co-ordinate data collection across these teams, using methodologies including dive and snorkel surveys, baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys, and river surveys.

Community engagement will also take place, focussing on raising environmental awareness and building capacity, through local environmental talks and formal training opportunities.