The increase in waste water discharge into our coastal waters, has a direct influence on the rise of E. coli bacteria communities in the waters we wish to play in. It is alarming to know that there is a high probability of getting very sick when playing in the water at my local beach. We must stop the discharge of untreated sewage into our local water ways, so children can play safely in nature without becoming ill.

Take time to look at the small things. Seek them out or wait for them to appear. Not everything that is vital is visible.

The Restoration Forth project is being carried out to reinstate seagrass and oysters in the Forth. Please can you lend your support to this project by promoting the importance of the marine environment at every opportunity?

Stop poisoning the rivers and seas!

I have contributed to the 100 species project and wish to inform you of the global significance of having healthy and resilient populations of whales in the marine environment. Whales form an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem and they are recognised as components of the carbon cycle, due to their fertilising ability. Their iron rich faeces stimulate phytoplankton and zooplankton in the surfaces waters, resulting in the conversion of carbon dioxide to plant and animal tissue, which ultimately gets transported to the depths of the ocean as marine snow. This carbon can be sequestered in the deep ocean for many millennia, helping to mitigate against anthropogenic induced climate change. Ensuring these creatures are safeguarded will not only enrich our lives but the lives of many marine species as they help regulate the climate and food chain within the marine environment. It is essential that these species are removed from harm and disturbance, in order for them to return to their previous populations before the devastation that befell them in the 19 and 20th centuries. Whales in general perform social, cultural, environmental but also economic services, which we desperately depend on. It is important that our destructive practices are minimised and if possible removed to ensure these mammals are free from harm.

Please keep helping to save our oceans for the blue whales and every other species too!!!

As part of this project I have been learning about the beautiful Twait Shad and was sad to read that sightings are rare in the Forth. Their numbers have been decimated due to manmade obstructions that prevent them from their natural migratory behaviour to swim upstream to spawn. The Twait Shad are not strong enough swimmers to navigate the ‘fish friendly’ structures that are designed for Salmon. Shad are also easily disorientated by turbulent or complex flowing water. 244 barriers in Scotland have been identified and at least 184 still need addressing. A project on the River Severn has unlocked 158 miles of the river for Shad which has had a beneficial impact on the whole ecosystem from insects to other fish, birds and mammals. We need to repair the damage which has been done in the past and enable healthy spawning grounds. With the climate change crisis, more work needs to be done to ensure smooth migration and ensuring the smaller fish can also benefit from this work. Although there are ambitious plans by SEPA to remove all structures by 2027, it is felt the pace of the project is too slow and there is a lack of clarity and transparency over what work is being done. Even the stronger Salmon have had their numbers reduced by 70% in only 25 years so this project needs to be tackled with more urgency and ensure the smaller species are also having their needs met.

There is a quote from an 19th century philosopher that always inspires me - "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." Do what you can and it will help.

Please help to preserve our precious seabed by doing everything you can to prevent scallop dredging damaging it. Dredging damages seagrass beds, which could be a vital part of our fight against climate change by storing carbon - if only we can stop it being lost further, and reinstate it as much as we can. https://www.openseas.org.uk/legal-challenge-scallop-dredging/

Some simple steps everyone can take to help seagrasses and other marine habitats, such as: • don't litter • limit the amount of fertilizer and pesticides you use, or choose to buy/ use certified organic products • don't dump anything hazardous down the drain • support local conservation efforts. “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” ― Vincent Van Gogh

Reducing the pollution in the rivers and waterways enables species such as the May fish to be reintroduced.

Every little thing loves to be alive, including The Velvet Swimming Crab. They play an extremely important part in the marine ecosystem by harvesting animal matter and plants that have decomposed. They are an essential part in keeping the sea floor clean benefiting everyone from us, the wider environment and to their fellow marine neighbours.

Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and strength, use it to create. Maria Montessori

All of our wonderful nature is at risk. We need to see it, value it and protect it now, in order to preserve our fantastic Scottish biodiversity for generations to come.

Don’t approach ‘cute’ seals. Take your litter home. Keep dogs on a leash if there are seals close by.

Many of us only look at the Forth from the shore not seeing all the life under the surface. From the tiny bacteria to the big whales, all the life in the water is effected by our actions. By fighting for climate justice we will help to not further disturb the ecosystems of the oceans. Locally we need to ensure that we keep the water and shorelines clean to not kill the animals with our rubbish.

We must think carefully about all the plastics we use and we must keep them away from the seas and oceans.

Nature is life. We have to nurture and protect it.

Think about what we introduce as crops and where!

We have to do whatever we can to protect our seas and rivers and the creatures who call them home before it’s too late

Right now, people are not concerned for the conservation status of humpback whales, however, as recently as 50 years ago, the species was on the edge of extinction due to hunting. We must not be complacent, and must nurture the wildlife on our planet.

Conservation is important for the small creatures as well as the more ‘romantic ‘ species such as whales and dolphins!

Please keep out waters clean to allow these beautiful species to survive and thrive.

I hope this project helps people learn about the huge range of species the Forth and other habitats nearby us here in Edinburgh are home to, and how many species are at risk if we don't take conservation and protecting wildlife and the climate more seriously. I definitely learned something new while working on this piece and I'm grateful to the Edinburgh Shoreline Project for that!

It is possible not to repeat the mistakes of history. It is possible to undo the damage of the past. It is possible to rebuild what has been destroyed. It is possible to protect what has been rebuilt. Will you destroy or restore? Will you restore what you destroy? Will you repeat the mistakes of history? Be the wave that nourishes. The mother of pearl. With the turning of the tide. The power of the sea will triumph over Human ingenuity.

Unfortunately what these pieces created have shown is not always the case all to often these beautiful creatures are surrounded by rubbish and living in cans and bottles.

Beat plastic pollution. If you can, reuse it and refuse it.

Pollution is one of the the 5 biggest drivers of wildlife loss but if we prevent plastic and chemical pollution at source and allow species like seagrass to survive it can help restore habitats and help other species thrive.

Because there are so many sources of pollution stemming from human lifestyles. These following actions and lifestyle adjustments are small steps that individuals can take: • Using less plastic • Supporting local businesses to reduce the need for oceanic shipping • Reducing meat consumption to help prevent chemical pollution “While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.” – Matt Bevin

Water is life. Keep our water clean!

Protect the sea life for future generations.

Ringed Plovers are, like all our endangered species, vital to the intricate ecosystem on which we rely. They deserve respect and support if they are to thrive.

PLEASE tidy up your planet and open up your eyes!

Be mindful when you spend time around our shores, and think of all the life underwater that we cannot see. They have as much a right to thrive as we do and its everyones responsibility to do what they can to nurture and protect these species.

Sea sponges are ecologically important to all environments. They are a vital source of protection to other marine species, and for combating pollution along our coasts.

Seagrass meadows are globally one of the most important marine species to combat climate change. It is vital to restore them.

The degradation of our water through the dumping of rubbish, effluent discharge and poisoning from drainage not only threatens our health but the very survival of species whose existence pre-dates humans.

Basking Shark, Lamprey Eel and Twaite Shad are all endangered species in Scottish waters due to issues including climate change, over fishing, blocked migration routes, coastal development, pollution, environmental degradation and destruction of habitats

We need to look after the sea and to do more to protect it’s ecosystem, most of the worlds oxygen comes from seaweed!

This beautiful, sensitive, intelligent creature is something we need to protect and treasure. We can learn so much by watching how it manages it's environment and relates to others. They are higly intelligent invertebrates and have been known to form bonds with humans. I am so saddened by the growth of octopus farms.

I want to share a remarkable story about a small but mighty creature—the limpet. These unassuming mollusks hold within them the power to inspire positive change and ignite a sense of responsibility within us. As diligent grazers, limpets play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems. By preventing the unchecked proliferation of algae, they ensure the survival of countless other species that depend on these habitats for their existence. But the importance of limpets goes far beyond their ecological contributions. These humble creatures have captivated the hearts of naturalists and scientists for their incredible adaptations and unwavering resilience. From their strength to cling to rocks amidst relentless waves, to their remarkable homing instincts, limpets remind us of the extraordinary beauty and intricacy of nature. The study of limpets also offers us a window into the health of our environment. As sensitive organisms, they are barometers of change, affected by pollution, habitat destruction, and climate shifts. By closely monitoring limpet populations, we gain invaluable insights into the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems and the impact of human activities. They serve as silent messengers, urging us to take action and protect the precious habitats they call home. So, let us embrace the lessons of the limpet and embark on a journey of positive change. By valuing and preserving these remarkable creatures, we embrace our role as stewards of the natural world. Let us champion conservation efforts, raise awareness about the importance of coastal ecosystems, and work tirelessly to safeguard the biodiversity that thrives within them. Together, we can make a difference—a ripple of change that will resonate far beyond the shores, creating a sustainable future for our oceans and generations to come. Remember, the power to influence positive change lies within each of us. Let us be inspired by the humble limpet and become catalysts for a brighter, healthier, and more harmonious world.

For every piece of plastic produced, every wrapper, every throw away toy, every bag, we are poisoning not only the planet, not just the animals who get tangled and drown, not just the sea creatures who starve to death because their stomachs are full of plastic, not just the mammals and birds trapped and dying of dehydration in landfill, but ourselves too. Your children and grandchildren will be born with microplastics in their body. Their lives will be shortened before they've taken their first breath. For the sake of money and convenience. Save your family, save the planet, stop using plastic.

Every species in our seas and on our beaches is connected through some part of their life cycle. Any negative impact on one of these species can have a disastrous result for many others. We must think every time we, as humans, make a decision or take a step - how will this effect the wildlife around me. It needs to be our priority.

Stop using so much plastic packaging if possible when purchasing food and recycle everything that you can !

The wolf fish is a fascinating creature that plays an important role in the ocean's ecosystems. Unfortunately, overfishing, pollution, and climate change are putting immense pressure on its population. Without action, the wolf fish could become extinct in our lifetimes.