June 15, 2016
The COAST of Arran
It’s been claimed that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. Some say that’s an exaggeration, but what is undeniable is that our oceans are in danger and the causes are all man made. Last week saw World Oceans Day – a global celebration of community action around the world to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations. The community on Arran is at the forefront of this work in Scotland and as their contribution, they made this short film describing their work over the past 20 years.
Arran and the Sea: a community story
Celebrating community involvement in marine conservation and management for WORLD OCEANS DAY 2016
The inside story of how an island community is standing up for its dearest resource: the sea.
The Firth of Clyde was once a very rich and diverse source of wealth for coastal communities. Now 99% of what fishermen land is shellfish. But the future is looking brighter with the new Marine Protected Areas.
COAST is celebrating World Oceans Day by sharing in this film our 20 years community experience in making the case for responsible and fair management of our seas. We are also hoping to inspire other communities to raise their voices and be involved in decisions about their seas.
We are very grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for giving us the chance to bring this story forward with the help of DayforNight films.
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).