The Looe Marine Conservation Group is a voluntary, not for profit group that exists to inspire interest in the Looe marine environment and to increase our knowledge and understanding of the species and habitats within the Voluntary Marine Conservation area. We do this through a range of public activities and events, survey work and volunteer training.
The volunteer group was initially set up by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust under the ‘Your Shore’ project. The group has developed so successfully that it is now self-run. We continue to work in close association with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Our group is made up and run by a group of enthusiastic local volunteers – some with professional backgrounds in conservation, marine sciences, veterinary, tourism, marketing, education (both teacher and student); some simply seeking to enjoy an interesting hobby and keen to contribute toward protecting our marine environment.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone. We work closely with the community and aspire to engage with the full spectrum of users of the marine environment from the fishing community to the public. We run a variety of events to appeal to a range of ages and interests. Our events are designed to encourage visitors to Looe and residents of Looe to enjoy the marine environment. We currently have around 60 volunteers who all give their time, energy and skills for free.
Aims and objectives
We work across the Looe Voluntary Marine Conservation Area to:
- Inform and educate the public, including users of the marine environment about wildlife and conservation
- Improve and share, for the benefit of the public, knowledge of the species, ecosystems and habitats in this area
- Inspire public interest and participation in marine conservation
- Champion the need for and the benefits of a bio-diverse, healthy and adequately protected marine conservation area
