Two Arran divers (Howard Wood and Don MacNeish) set up the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) with the aim of reversing the decline in Arran's marine habitats. The decline has been caused by the 1984 remocal of the ban on bottom trawling adn scallop dredging within three miles of the UK coast. The decimation of the fish stocks had an evident impact on Arran's community, its last international sea-angling festival was held in 1994 and saw catchs down by 96%.The non-governmental organization, based in Scotland, is recognized worldwide as one of the UK's leading community marine conservation organizations, enjoying widespread support on Arran and beyond.
COAST actively campaigns for marine protection and sustainable marine management around Arran and in the Clyde and work with the Marine Conservation Society, Fauna and Flora International, Scottish Environment Link, Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland, and others. They put pressure on the Government, Fishing and Aquaculture industries to adopt non-destructive, sustainable fishing methods.
COAST led a 13 year campaign for the establishment of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay in 2008. They have now proposed the now designated South Arran Marine Portected Area. In addition, they have submitted numerous consultation responses to influence policy decisions, contributed to North Ayrshire Council’s Coastal Development Plan and we continue to play a role in the Scottish Government’s vision of Clyde 2020.
COAST's vision is: Healthy seas around Arran and the Clyde
Over the years, COAST's achievements have included:
• the establishment of Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay in 2008
• setting up strong links with universities such as Glasgow, Heriot Watt and York ensuring rigorous, independent research of marine life in the Clyde
• the development and delivery of an education and awareness programme for Arran schools, residents and visitors to the island
• advocating for the establishment of the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust (SIFT) in 2011 to lobby for the reinstatement of the three mile fishing limit in the Clyde
• submitting a proposal for a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to establish a ban on bottom trawling and scallop dredging around south Arran
• leading a high-profile campaign during the public consultation period for the MPA in 2013, gathering over 1,300 responses for the Scottish Government, of which 99 per cent were in favour of the MPA
• establishing a team of ambassadors including fisherman, divers, politicians and Arran residents to support the MPA and sustainable marine management
• being named as the Conservation winner of The Observer awards 2008.
• receiving the 2014 RSPB Nature of Scotland Award for Marine Conservation
• continuing to campaign for a complete ban on trawlers and dredgers in the South Arran MPA
