Activities

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Classroom learning

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Using our dedicated classroom space at FSC Millport our instructors took us through several classroom sessions to increase our knowledge of Scotland’s seas and how to survey them. 

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Our first session was our introduction to snorkelling as our group was a mixed experience group and we were keen for the course to be inclusive of everyone whether they had done 1 snorkel or 50. It was also good learning for more experienced members to consider how we might in the future help more MOC members start snorkelling. The powerpoint shared by FSC Millport for this session can be found here: Intro to snorkelling ppt.pdf

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Over the rest of the weekend our classroom learning included an introduction to key species found in Scottish Seas with a focus on seaweed, seagrass and native oysters due to the groups interest in current seagrass and oyster restoration. 

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Following our surveying workshop in the field the FSC Instructors covered some options for data analysis to measure and track the biodiversity of a survey site.

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Seaweed ID session

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To build on our seaweed ID session in the classroom the FSC Instructors had gathered some washed up species of seaweeds and had them in tanks for the group to try out their new ID skills using guides and ID books. 

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The group really enjoyed this session and it was great to start to assess the differences between the available ID guides and books which will help build on our seaweed surveying activities along the Moray Firth coastline. 

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Survey techniques

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Before heading into the water the group were split in two to try the transect and quadrat survey methodology. We soon discovered this was much easier on the lawn than it was in the sea!

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We were tasked with surveying the different species of terrestrial grasses and plants along with percentage cover.

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It soon got very competitive between the two groups with much excitement when a flowering plant was found within a quadrat!

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We then put our surveying techniques to the test and did a 30m transect out from the shore using quadrats every 3m to look at percentage cover of seaweed, to try and ID the different types of seaweed and also include any other organisms we found. 

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In the shallow water the use of bathyscopes were incredibly useful but then when we got deeper the real challenge of snorkel surveying came into play! Everyone really enjoyed this and was important learning for best ways to manage the snorkel surveys.

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As a group we considered for doing our own surveys groups of 3 would be ideal and make sure no one gets cold so ensure swim breaks between quadrats if needed and to ensure a picture of each quadrat is taken before any duck diving commences to help with a visible picture to use back on dry land.

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Snorkelling

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The main highlight of the learning experience was of course the snorkelling. We completed four snorkels all together. The first one was to cover off our basic skills including finning, mask and snorkel clearing, signals and basic safety. 

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Our second snorkel introduced us to more advanced skills including duck diving as well as starting to test out our ID skills. 

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Our third snorkel was the practical survey session using tape measures, quadrats, writing slates and bathyscopes to practise the survey techniques we learned on land. This was followed by a fun snorkel to further develop our ID skills. 

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Our fourth and final snorkel was one that covered some open water to increase our confidence in the snorkelling skills we had developed over the weekend. Many of the group members also used this as an opportunity to practise their snorkelling skills while also using underwater cameras to help us document and help with future snorkel surveys.

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During our snorkels we also aimed to remove any marine litter than we found which included fishing line and plastic pieces. 

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Exploring

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During our down time from the course we also did some exploring of the island and it allowed us to get to know each other better as a group.

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This was especially useful for the five Directors and there were many exciting plans discussed in the evenings including the creation of a mobile phone app to help capture Moray Firth coastline data for MOC members.

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Reflections

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The group all agreed it was a fantastic weekend away and helped boost our confidence as a newly formed coastal community group.

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Some of the attendees shared the following statements:

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‘The trip to Millport was fantastic for Moray Ocean Community to not only upskill but really start to get to know each other and have so much opportunity to talk about what we would like to do as a coastal community group. We are already planning next years trip and look forward to sharing recommendations for other groups!’

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‘Aswell as providing us with upskilling and refreshing our snorkelling techniques, this trip also enabled us to really witness our common passions for being in the sea and seeing and learning about all that lives there. Snorkel surveying, particularly transects, is no easy feat. It was really great to attempt this as a group and discuss after.’

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“I am really looking forward to continuing to increase my snorkel qualifications and identification skills after the foundations of the FSC course so that I can provide safely new opportunities as part of Moray Ocean Community. To introduce our communities to this very special environment is what drives my passion”

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“It's rare that this many MOC members can get together in one place. The trip gave us the much needed chance to get to know each other better and talk about the future of MOC, as well as learn some great skills that I can't wait to share with other members of the community. I think the skills learnt will help us to encourage more people to get into the water and do some citizen science!”

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“The trip to Millport was absolutely fantastic! Not only did we have a splendid time, but also acquired very useful algae IDing and snorkelling techniques and safety skills. The weekend gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the other members better and share knowledge and ideas. It was certainly great to learn some of the necessary skills to encourage others to safely discover the ocean and carry out citizen science. Can’t wait to get started!”

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Next steps

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Our next steps following this trip will be to put our learning into practice. We will aim to organise several snorkels and surveys over the summer and autumn months with the group and also the wider Moray Ocean Community to help share our learning.

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We will also use the SSI snorkel app to refresh the theory we learned over the weekend and will receive our SSI Snorkel Certificates.

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Through the Coastal Communities Network we will also share our learning and our experience of the trip so that other groups may also consider the opportunities for learning from weekends away similar to this.

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Funding

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Moray Ocean Community would like to extend their thanks to the Sea-Changers Learning Fund for their kind contribution to the costs of this trip. All MOC Directors and members are volunteers and covered the rest of the cost of the trip themselves and are very grateful it was able to be subsidised. 

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We hope for future learning events and trips we can secure funding to make learning as inclusive as possible for all MOC members.

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Videos and Photos

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A selection of photos and videos from the weekend can be found in this shared google photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sxB4o53Ku523w5m66 

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A selection of clips from underwater cameras can be watched via this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NipyELVzSWtNN4GR7 

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