The Coastal Communities Network (CCN) is a coalition of over 30 community-based organisations working to protect and restore Scotland’s coast and seas. This summer, they have been granted charitable status, becoming the first independent community-led marine conservation network in Scotland.

CCN formed as a result of a partnership between the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) and international conservation NGO Fauna & Flora. Both recognised the need for a space for community groups working on marine conservation and management to connect and share ideas, skills and experiences. The network officially launched in 2017 with eight members, and has now grown to 33 community based organisations based all around the coasts of Scotland, from Fair Isle to Berwickshire.

Working together, CCN members address a wide range of pressing issues, including the environmental impacts of salmon farming, unsustainable fishing practices, marine plastic pollution and the degraded condition of marine habitats.

Over the past eight years the network has gone from strength to strength and will now operate in its own right – having gained charitable status as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

CCN achieving independent charitable status comes at a really pivotal moment for Scotland’s marine and coastal environment. With the2026 Scottish Elections on the horizon amidst the backdrop of a significant marine heatwave, we are reminded that the next Scottish Government will see us to2030, the critical year by which we have committed to halting biodiversity loss.

Our marine and coastal environments are in a critical state– over the past century, the amount of fish landed has declined steeply despite an increase in fishing effort, and seabird species have declined by 49% since1986, according to the State of Nature report. Coastal communities often witness first hand this deterioration, giving them a unique and crucial stake in marine decision-making.

To achieve our 2030 targets of halting biodiversity loss, we need an ecosystem-based recovery of our marine environment that empowers coastal communities and addresses local needs. Placing coastal communities at the core of decision-making can ensure that bold marine recovery efforts benefit nature, climate and people.