Based on Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, COAST is a registered Scottish charity which recognises and values the amazing marine biodiversity right on our shoreline and the need to protect it for future generations.

Established in 1995 by 2 local divers COAST became a not for profit organisation enjoying support from people both on Arran and further afield.  COAST was the driving force behind the creation of a No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay in 2008.  COAST gained charitable status in 2011 which has opened up greater recognition of it's aims and objectives and has enabled it to be more proactive.  COAST is now run by a group of people, mostly Arran residents, who all passionately believe about the health of their marine environment and wish to protect this from indiscriminate commercial fishing methods.  

COAST’s vision is to protect maerl beds and other seabed habitats, regenerate fish and scallop populations and to enhance the marine biodiversity in Lamlash Bay and Arran coastal waters through the No Take Zone and other protective measures.

COAST is currently funded by grants from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The UnderwoodTrust and has received support from Scottish Natural Heritage, EC DG Environment, Marine Conservation Society and initial start up funding from the Lottery Awards for All.

COAST's main objectives are:

1. To identify and secure for the community, areas of seabed around the Isle of Arran to promote and protect all forms of marine life;
2. To protect and improve the surrounding waters adjacent to the project and for the advancement of environmental protection to promote sustainable marine stocks;
3. To educate the community, individuals and organisations in relation to the need for marine conservation;

How does COAST achieve these objectives?

1. Work with and assist everyone involved in the implementation of the No Take Zone. Keep the wider public informed about progress. Ensure the No Take Zone is fairly, openly and effectively enforced and scientifically monitored.
2. Pursue legislation to make the remaining part of Lamlash Bay part of a wider Marine Protected Area around the south of Arran in which no mobile fishing would be permitted.
3. Continue to apply pressure on the Government, Fishing and Aquaculture industries to adopt non-destructive, sustainable fishing methods.

In line with COAST’s objectives and strategy it also endeavours to:

• Educate others, especially children, on the need for marine conservation through local, national and international events.
• Improve the marine environment in our own “backyard”, determining success through rigorous monitoring.
• Reverse the dramatic decline of local fish stocks.
• Inform and advise others committed to marine conservation of our experience of community based action.
• Contribute to the development of national legislation to improve the health of our seas.

An area at the north end of Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran is a Community Marine Conservation Area and is Scotland's first  NO TAKE ZONE. It was designated by the Scottish Government on the 20th September 2008.

What is a No Take Zone?

• 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.  It benifits the local economy by attracting visitors and divers to Arran. Eventually commercial fishermen gain with bigger and better catches in the neighbouring overspill areas.
• Scientific evidence from New Zealand show that NTZ's do work, so the future looks positive for Lamlash Bay.
• Everyone has a responsibility to protect the NTZ from fishing acivities, so if you see any fishing activity taking place call SFPA on 0845 270 3990 or visit www.sfpa.gov.uk/suspicious.asp

COAST's 2005 proposal to the goverment.

The Arran Marine Regeneration Trial. Development of a Community based Marine Protected Area.  Read

THE COMMUNITY OF ARRAN SEABED TRUST LTD is a company Limited by Guarantee
Company No 299917 at Companies House Edinburgh.
A Charity Registered in Scotland SC042088
COAST is the trading name of the above named Company
Registered office : Allt- Na-Ceidre Whiting Bay Brodick Isle of Arran KA27 8QT