Our Marine Conservation Projects
Since 2011, Sea-Changers has funded over 470 marine conservation projects all around the UK, including research, direct action and education.
We recognise that a range of actions and solutions is required to create the sea change that is needed, and to ensure the future health and sustainability of our oceans.
Our funded projects all meet one or more of the following objectives:
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To address the root causes of marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK.
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To prevent or reduce negative impacts on UK coastal and marine environments and/or species.
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To add to the body of knowledge about marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK.
Our impact
Click on the logos below to read more about some of our funded projects. You can select one or more categories and filter by type of grant.
To see a UK-wide overview head to the project map.
Featured project
Saving Sharks Using Mucous – Pat Smith Database
Sea-Changers' Grant – £2,096
The Pat Smith Database is the custodian of the world’s longest continuous recreational shark catch data, dating back to 1953. This unique resource underpins efforts to better understand shark populations in UK waters, and to support sustainable fisheries management. In 2024, Sea-Changers funding enabled the organisation to launch a pilot project to collect mucous samples from UK sharks using a non-invasive swabbing technique.
Community co-operation
The project trained ten recreational charter skippers in the swabbing technique, who, together with trustees, collected 265 samples, exceeding the original target of 250. These samples are a valuable source for DNA, stable isotope, and fatty acid analyses, which are critical for understanding population structure, diet, migration patterns, and close kinship of shark species. This information supports sustainable fisheries management and the protection of data-poor and endangered shark species.
“The work which the founders have done to get this project off the ground and to keep it running is commendable. As far as I am aware, some of the species of Sharks which have been swabbed in their studies have never had samples taken in UK history, which is testament to the work which they are doing.” – Spencer Wright
The Sea-Changers grant also covered essential costs including swabbing materials, cool boxes for transport, and sample logistics.
Impact and Sustainability
The impact extended beyond sample collection. Around 300 recreational anglers observed and engaged with the project over 75 trips, gaining insight into how they can contribute to shark conservation. Scientific organisations, including Plymouth Marine Laboratories, the Marine Biological Association, and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Apex Predators Programme, have engaged with the work. Samples are stored at Plymouth Marine Laboratories, making them accessible to scientists worldwide.
"This project has genuinely generated more interest and engagement than any other of the marine science projects I have supported." – Dan Margetts, Skipper
By connecting anglers, scientists, and conservationists, this project showcases a replicable model for collaborative, data-driven marine conservation initiatives that deliver real-world impact.
"Anglers are generally interested in any conservation work but with this project I am continually being asked what is the status of the project and it's obvious that anglers are genuinely attached to this work and that they feel fully engaged and a part of it. We are all excited now about what the analysis of the swabs may reveal."
Our projects
The map below shows the marine conservation activities we've funded since our first grants in 2012.
Click on a pin to learn more about an individual project. Or click on the top-left icon to view a list of all funded projects or to view the map key.