“People protect what they love, and we show people how much there is to love about the sea.” - This is the motto of Ullapool Sea Savers, a group of young people based on the north west coast of Scotland.
How it started
Ullapool Sea Savers started as a successful #naestrawataw campaign by the local primary school, which then expanded and led to Ullapool becoming the first plastic-free village in Europe. From this success, in 2018, some of the young people decided to continue implementing the change they wanted to see and created Ullapool Sea Savers. The group is open to kids of all ages, with four age-based groups that ensure experience is passed down through the years. There are currently 20 kids in the group, with a waiting list of 10!
Connection to the Ocean
With Ullapool being at the heart of the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area, it’s no surprise that its residents have grown attached to marine ecosystems. Upon joining, each new member of the Ullapool Sea Savers may choose a marine species that they feel particularly interested in to represent as an ambassador. The species represented include turtles, dolphins, otters, octopus, seabirds, sharks, seals, and clams. This list reflects the experiences these young people have had with the ocean as well as the range of colourful, diverse marine life that exists—and its power to capture people’s hearts.
Spotlight on Marine Life
Ullapool Sea Savers shine a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of marine life. They share their knowledge and experience of their chosen species, and of the ocean in general, with people worldwide through their social media, in documentaries, at events where they set up stalls, and by taking people out into the field with them. At some of these events, they bring microscopes and enable people to see for themselves the world of microscopic, planktonic marine creatures—a normally invisible and thus often overlooked group, despite its importance in the food webs and its cool morphology and behaviour. Ullapool Sea Savers also own a boat, which they conduct wildlife surveys from—sometimes with members of the public—to once again showcase what there is to love about the oceans.
Protecting Marine Life
Ullapool Sea Savers also feel strongly about littering, especially after seeing animals get entangled or choked by plastic. They take regular trips to remote beaches to pick up litter—about two to three times a month—which they weigh to track litter quantity over time and cleaning efforts. Through these beach cleans, they’ve identified both local and remote sources of litter. One such remote item was a large buoy tracked back to Maine, USA. For the local sources of litter, Ullapool Sea Savers are working with local industries and citizens on ways to reduce such leakages. For example, they’ve run a successful campaign on littering by raising awareness about drains around the village and how easily litter ends up in the sea through them.
In Conclusion
Ullapool Sea Savers set an example for all who want to have a say in the future of their marine environment. They move with perseverance, vision, teamwork, and fun—embodying their motto: “People protect what they love; we show them how much there is to love about the sea.”
Follow their work at:
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