CAOLAS Annual Report 2022-23

Loch Sunart and the Sound of Mull Community Association of Lochs and Sounds (CAOLAS)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2022 – 2023
Charity registration number: SC047982
SCIO registered on: 07 December 2017

CAOLAS Trustees’ Annual Report 2022 to 2023

During 2022 to 2023, CAOLAS expanded its programme of practical conservation, marine monitoring, education and community engagement across Loch Sunart and the Sound of Mull.

The Lochaline Native Oyster Project entered its second year, with the first oysters released into Lochaline in April 2022. By October, approximately 8,000 oysters had been released, while a further 10,000 were introduced to the nursery to continue the restoration programme. Local school pupils also took part in hands-on oyster monitoring and learning activities.

CAOLAS broadened its work with young people through a Floating Classroom programme with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, giving 45 pupils from four local primary schools the opportunity to learn aboard the research vessel Silurian.

Marine monitoring also continued, with eight volunteer divers surveying the nationally important organ-pipe worm colonies in Loch Teacuis. New interpretation boards explaining Loch Sunart’s Marine Protected Areas and Priority Marine Features were installed in Strontian.

Alongside these projects, CAOLAS continued its winter talks, community events, Hope Spot involvement and collaboration through the Coastal Communities Network.

Explore the full report

The full CAOLAS Trustees’ Annual Report 2022 to 2023 provides further information on the charity’s activities, projects, governance and finances during the year.

Download the full annual report to find out more.