Seabirds to Shipbuilding: A Novel Approach to Integrating Natural, Cultural & Historical Marine Heritage - A Case Study of the UK's First Seascape-scale Conservation Initiative

In a post-industrial seascape in North-East England, once the most polluted in Europe, poor perceptions of the marine environment pervade; resulting in seabird persecution, high levels of beach litter and a lack of engagement... [ view full abstract ]

In a post-industrial seascape in North-East England, once the most polluted in Europe, poor perceptions of the marine environment pervade; resulting in seabird persecution, high levels of beach litter and a lack of engagement with conservation initiatives and the environment itself. This has severely limited our understanding of the marine environment and impacted our ability to effectively manage the seascape.

There is however much to be celebrated across this seascape, from rich maritime heritage to an internationally important seabird colony. Thus, by framing and managing the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the seascape as a whole, we can reach new audiences and catalyse multi-disciplinary collaboration that is greater than the sum of its parts. In the UK this approach is well established in terrestrial landscapes but had not yet been applied to seascapes.

In 2016, local authorities, universities, NGOs and community groups working across natural-cultural-historical heritage came together to pool resources towards a collective vision for the seascape, its communities and its heritage. Together they developed "SeaScapes", the UK’s first Seascape-scale conservation initiative. This will be delivered through a 4-year scheme of conservation projects, engagement activities and training opportunities designed to better understand and manage the seascape, instigate a culture of marine citizenship and inspire behavioural change.

The scheme has secured funding and is currently in detailed development, bringing scientists, practitioners and citizens together to make marine science matter in conservation practice and leave a lasting legacy for the heritage, communities and wildlife of this seascape.