The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) is a grassroots organization restoring Scotland’s coastal waters through community-led action. For the last 30 years, they have empowered local people to protect marine ecosystems, leading to the UK’s first community-led, and Scotland’s only No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay; today encompassed by the South Arran marine protected area.
Doubling
of species richness within the South Arran marine protected area
100%
school children on Arran engaged in ocean education programs
Key Focus Areas
Marine Protection
COAST spearheaded the establishment of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay in 2008. They led a community campaign to gain designation and legal management of the South Arran marine protected area (2016), which aims to protect and regenerate sensitive seabed habitats.
Seagrass Conservation and Living Reef
Working to protect and raise awareness about seagrass meadows, which serve as vital underwater habitats and contribute to carbon sequestration. COAST also preserves living reef habitats, which are essential for biodiversity in Scotland’s seas.
Research and Education
Conducting baseline studies and ongoing research to monitor the health of marine ecosystems, informing conservation strategies and engaging the community.
Sustainable Fisheries
Advocating for sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of fish and shellfish populations, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
Why REVIVE
COAST exemplifies the power of community-driven marine conservation, aligning perfectly with Revive Our Ocean’s mission to accelerate coastal protection. Their success in establishing Scotland’s first No Take Zone and leading advocacy for marine protected areas demonstrates a scalable model for local stewardship.
By partnering with COAST, Revive Our Ocean support a proven approach to restoring marine biodiversity, fostering sustainable fisheries, and empowering communities to take ownership of their coastal waters.
We’re proud to partner with Revive Our Ocean, whose focus on community-led marine protection perfectly aligns with our mission. They offer a powerful platform to amplify local voices and impact, from Arran to the world.
Áine Purcell Milton - Executive Director, COAST
30 years of protection in Arran - From learning to leading
Revive Our Ocean supports a growing network of best in class practitioners working to scale community-driven marine protection. Tell us about your work — we’re mapping out collaborations and shared learning opportunities.
