Welcome to CAOLAS
This site is being redesigned and updated
Community Association Of Lochs And Sounds
Biodiversity Restoration
Our understanding of the marine environment continues to grow as new discoveries and cutting edge science reveal the complexities and vulnerabilities of Scotland's seas. Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020 has helped CAOLAS focus attention on some of the most pressing issues facing our seas. Decline in biodiversity and the impacts of climate change has made the need for biodiversity restoration in our seas a top priority for Scottish Government and a priority for communities. The LNOP (Lochaline Native Oyster Project) is an example of this.
Lochaline Native Oyster Project (LNOP)
In 2021 CAOLAS started the LNOP(Lochaline Native Oyster Project) with support from HIEF (Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation). CAOLAS took delivery of 10000 juvenile oysters on July 13th 2021.
Surveys and Science
Baseline biodiversity surveys started back in 2017 with a number of beach surveys around the Ardnamurchan and Morvern Peninsulas.
Citizen Science
A key element of our approach is the involvement of residents and visitors to the area. Opportunities to ignite a passion for the marine environment and share our collective knowledge helps develop an understanding, appreciation and a sense of responsibility to look after and care for our marine environment
Welcome to Caolas
CAOLAS, or the Community Association Of Lochs And Sounds, was established in 2015 by local community members as a way to increase understanding of the marine environment in our locality and involve people in its conservation. In 2017 CAOLAS was formally constituted as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). The value of our coastal waters for wildlife and recreation as well as fishing is being increasingly recognised. Discussions about the introduction of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and inspiration from other parts of Scotland - like the Isle of Arran and Fair Isle - led to more involvement from the community and the realisation that local people can contribute to decisions about the management of their local waters.
Our marine and coastal wildlife
This is why our coast is so valuable
Nationally, we are part of the Coastal Communities Network which connects coastal communities across Scotland in order to share knowledge and expertise, while offering a community voice within marine management.
Globally, we have helped achieve the designation of the first Mission Blue Hope Spot in the UK aimed at enhancing the local conservation designations on our doorstep and shining a spotlight on how critical they are for preserving marine wildlife and habitats.
Latest News
Our most recent articles
Subscribe for Our Newsletter
