Citizen Science in Action: Seasearch Returns to Carlingford Lough with Shifting Tides
- Paul Meade
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Carlingford Lough welcomed back the growing group of Seasearch divers, with fins back on, slates in hand, and renewed purpose—thanks to continued support from the Shifting Tides project. Among them was Lia Philcox, a filmmaker and researcher with a background in social anthropology (M.Res., Goldsmiths, University of London) and factual film production (IADT National Film School, Dublin). Lia’s work blends documentary storytelling with an anthropological lens, and she is currently creating a film—supported by Shifting Tides—that captures the journey of scuba divers around Carlingford Lough as they explore marine ecology and citizen science.
This return dive convened by Lia for the purpose of filming, built on the success of the 2024 Seasearch Observer training, funded by Shifting Tides, and marked a key step in fostering a growing community of local citizen scientists eager to contribute to the protection of their marine environment.
The training brought together eight new participants and two returning divers, who learned the foundations of underwater surveying and marine species identification. The course didn’t just provide skills—it ignited enthusiasm. Divers left eager to get back into the water, apply what they’d learned, and contribute to local marine conservation. Recognizing this potential, Shifting Tides continued to support this work in 2025, facilitating opportunities for practice and data collection in collaboration with Claire Casey, Seasearch Northern Ireland Coordinator.
This latest dive reflects a core aim of Shifting Tides: to empower local communities to become active stewards of their marine environment through creativity, science, and participation. By supporting hands-on experiences like Seasearch training, the project is helping to build long-term ocean literacy and foster a network of engaged coastal citizens on both sides of Carlingford Lough.
Claire kindly agreed to share more about Seasearch and the Carlingford dive in this blog.
What is Seasearch NI?
Seasearch Northern Ireland is part of a UK and Ireland-wide citizen science programme that trains volunteer citizen scientists to record the marine life and habitats they encounter. Proudly hosted by the Marine Conservation Society, Seasearch helps coastal communities and marine enthusiasts contribute directly to marine conservation.
The project in Northern Ireland is made possible by the DAERA Environment Fund and is now in year three of a five-year programme - a commitment that’s helping to build a strong network of volunteers with the skills to collect vital information on marine species and habitats.
Although the recent event at Carlingford Lough focused on scuba diving, Seasearch NI also offers opportunities for snorkellers, freedivers, and even those who prefer to stay dry! Claire regularly runs free intertidal survey events open to anyone with an interest in marine life - no training required. It’s a great way to get involved, learn more about coastal wildlife, and maybe even take the first step towards becoming a qualified Seasearch Observer.
Dive Log - 14th June 2025
On 14th June, in collaboration with the Shifting Tides project and local dive centre Oceanauts, a dedicated dive day was organised for local Seasearch volunteers.
The calm conditions, good visibility, and expert site briefing from local expert Dain, set the stage for a rewarding 50-minute dive, reaching depths of up to 9 metres (around 30 feet!).
The volunteers recorded a host of exciting marine life, including burrowing anemones, vivid violet nudibranchs, greater pipefish and swarms of juvenile flatfish – a finding that hints at the Lough’s potential as a nursery ground for the species. Another exciting spot was a beautiful, pink-toed Sand Star (Astropecten irregularis); listed as a priority species in Northern Ireland due to population declines and its vulnerability to bottom-towed fishing gear. But perhaps even more valuable was the sense of community and commitment: all the volunteers left buoyed by the experience and eager for more. Claire is already planning future dives with the group.
Photo credits: Frances Lambe
What is Seasearch data used for?
Seasearch isn’t just about spotting marine life - it’s about turning those sightings into meaningful data that supports marine conservation and research. Every record submitted by a Seasearch volunteer feeds into one of the UK and Ireland’s largest and most trusted marine datasets.
That trust comes from a rigorous quality assurance process. Records are reviewed first by local coordinators (in Northern Ireland, that’s Claire), then by the Seasearch data entry team, and finally by the Marine Conservation Society’s Seasearch Data Analyst. Only after passing these checks is the data made publicly available.
Once validated, Seasearch records are entered into Marine Recorder Online (MRO), shared on the NBN Atlas, and passed on to CEDaR (Centre for Environmental Data and Recording) in Northern Ireland. This means that Seasearch data is freely accessible to government agencies, conservation bodies, researchers, and planners.
One of the most important ways Seasearch data is used is in the designation and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - places recognised for their special wildlife, habitats, or biodiversity. For example, Carlingford Lough is already designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its important birdlife. By gathering underwater data, Seasearch helps build a fuller picture of the Lough’s marine biodiversity - information that can support future protection measures, influence management plans, or highlight areas in need of further study.
In short, Seasearch records aren’t just filed away - they directly contribute to how we understand, protect, and manage the marine environment in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Claire has already received survey forms from the volunteers diving at Greencastle. For some, like Frances Lambe, the event was motivation to submit their outstanding forms from other surveys, and she sent ten records in one go!
The full analysis of the results will take time – especially as this type of “data job” is usually carried out over the winter when the weather gets in the way of surveying. Every form submitted ensures our seas get the recognition and protection they deserve.
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in learning more about Seasearch, joining a survey event or attending a training course, you can find more information on the Seasearch website.
