Community of Arran Seabed Trust (C.O.A.S.T.)
COAST is a not for profit, voluntary community group which recognises and values the amazing marine biodiversity right on our shoreline and the need to protect it. COAST's vision: That the No Take Zone (NTZ) will protect Maerl beds and other seabed habitats, regenerate fish and scallop populations and enhance the marine biodiversity in Lamlash Bay. A NTZ is an area of sea and seabed from which no marine life can be removed by any method. The NTZ was established in the autumn of 2008 to protect Maerl beds and to promote natural regeneration of all marine life. Scientific evidence from New Zealand show that NTZ's do work, so the future looks positive for Lamlash Bay.

Different Types of Marine Protected Area (JNCC Website)
A ‘protected area’ is defined by the IUCN as ‘a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values’.

Fish Fight (Discards)
"Hugh’s Fish Fight is currently looking for public support, covering the issue of discards at sea." Because discards are not monitored, it is difficult to know exactly how many fish are being thrown away. The EU estimates that in the North Sea, discards are between 40% and 60% of the total catch. The quota system is intended to protect fish stocks by setting limits on how many fish of a certain species should be caught. Fishermen are not allowed to land any over-quota fish; if they accidentally catch them – which they can’t help but do - there is no choice but to throw them overboard before they reach the docks. We need to diversify our fish eating habits, and we need to change policy so that it works for fish, fishermen and consumers.

Lorn Environmental Action Forum (LEAF)
The Lorn Environmental Action Forum is an umbrella organisation encompassing all environmental issues within the Lorn area. The forum consists of different groups and individuals, all of which have these interests at heart.

Marine Scotland
Marine Scotland bring together the functions and resources of the previous Scottish Government Marine Directorate, the Fisheries Research Services (now Marine Scotland Science) and the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (now Marine Scotland Compliance). It is split in to six areas,- Marine Planning, Policy & Renewables, Aquaculture, Freshwater Fisheries & Licensing Policy, Compliance, Science, Sea Fisheries Policy, Performance.

Marine Wildlife Watching Code
The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code is designed for all those who watch marine wildlife around Scotland – whether they are on the shore or at sea. It is not a law or regulation – its over-riding purpose is to raise awareness and offer practical guidance.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s environmental regulator. Our main role is to protect and improve the environment. SEPA is a non-departmental public body, accountable through Scottish Ministers to the Scottish Parliament. SEPA has been advising Scottish ministers, regulated businesses, industry and the public on environmental best practice.

Scottish Environmental LINK; Marine Task Force
Scottish Environment LINK is the umbrella body for Scotland’s voluntary environmental organisations – 34 organisations representing approximately half a million member across Scotland. Established in 1987, LINK provides a forum and network for its member organisations, enabling informed debate, and assisting co-operation within the voluntary environmental sector. The members of LINK’s Marine Task Force, who manage this campaign, work together to share expertise and develop advocacy strategies to promote a sustainable marine environment. The LINK Marine Task Force consists of the following NGOs: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Marine Conservation Society National Trust for Scotland RSPB Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WWF Scotland For more information go to www.scotlink.org

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
Scottish Natural Heritage is funded by the Scottish Government. Our purpose is to: * promote care for and improvement of the natural heritage * help people enjoy it responsibly * enable greater understanding and awareness of it * promote its sustainable use, now and for future generations. All our work supports our mission: All of nature for all of Scotland.

Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network
The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network (SSACN) is an independent Charity registered in Scotland which was created to focus on conservation issues in the marine environment, especially those affecting sea anglers.

Seals Protection Groups
The Seals Protection Groups is a grouping of local, national and international organisations who want to put an end to this unnecessary and sometimes unlawful killing. The group’s main aims are to: * Raise public awareness to the shooting of internationally important species; * Replace the outdated and ineffective legislation, in order to protect these seals; * Ensure "real" protection is given under EC legislation; * Put a stop to what appears to be a "killing for profit" policy, especially where non-lethal measures exist for predator prevention.

Stranded Marine Animals
Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Hotline. If you find a dead stranded marine animal, please Call 01463 243030 or follow the online link. Rescue for live stranded marine animals can be called 24 hours a day through: • Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline (03000 999 999) • British Divers Marine Life Rescue (01825 765546) The following information will help: • What is it? • Where is it? • What size is it? • How fresh is it? Warning: Marine animals are wild animals. They may carry diseases which are transferable.

Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society
WDCS is campaigning for greater protection of whales and dolphins around the UK shores through improved legislation. We also fund research and education initiatives, run two wildlife centres in Scotland, and our POD campaign is helping to ensure a future for the dolphins of the Moray Firth.