JNCC

08/06/2026

Celebrating 💙

Harbour porpoise. Common dolphin. Minke whale. Humpback whale 🐋

🔷 These aren’t just names on a list – they’re species whose future depends on understanding how they’re faring in our seas.

For decades, JNCC has helped co-ordinate the SCANS surveys – the principal source of abundance estimates for cetaceans across north-west European waters. The data generated underpins UK conservation assessments, informs international reporting and tracks population trends for some of the ocean's most iconic animals.

This , we're reflecting on 35 years of work that means decision-makers have the evidence they need – and these species have a better chance 🌊

08/06/2026

07/06/2026

Tomorrow is 🌊 – and we’re taking a look beneath the surface.

How do you build a map of something as vast and hidden as the UK's seabed? 🗺️

In the early 1990s, JNCC set out to answer that question. Over a decade, the Marine Nature Conservation Review visited around 12,000 sites across Great Britain's coasts and seas – creating the first comprehensive baseline of seabed habitats, species and communities.

That foundation didn't stay still. It underpins the marine habitat classification for Britain and Ireland still in use today. It fed into UKSeaMap and the methods it pioneered were later adopted across Europe through EMODnet.

Thirty-five years on, the science JNCC built is still the bedrock beneath the work of marine conservationists, planners and researchers across the continent.

Explore 🔎🔽

Marine habitat classification: https://mhc.jncc.gov.uk/
UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats: https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/uk-atlas-of-seabed-habitats-ukash/
EMODNet seabed habitats: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/seabed-habitats

05/06/2026

This (Monday 8 June), as we mark 35 years of JNCC, we’re highlighting our impact, science, innovation and partnerships helping to protect our ocean .

78 Marine Protected Areas. 260,000 km² of ocean. An area almost the size of the UK’s landmass – protected 💙

Since 2008, JNCC has played a central role in identifying and advising on offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across UK seas. From fragile cold-water coral reefs to towering seamounts, our evidence underpins the management measures that help these habitats – and the life they support – recover and thrive.

👀 Learn more about JNCC’s work on Marine Protected Areas in our short video: https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/about-marine-protected-areas/

🔎 Explore the offshore MPAs JNCC advises on via our Site Information Centre: https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/offshore-mpas/

04/06/2026

🪶Did you know that even small levels of seabird bycatch can have big impacts?

A new study supported by JNCC looked at how fishing activity could affect like Cory’s Shearwater and Common Guillemots. The findings? Bycatch could reverse positive population trends over time.
We’re helping deliver the OSPAR B5 Indicator to better track and reduce these impacts.

📊 Data gaps remain, but tools like Population Viability Analysis are helping us understand the risks.

📘 Read more: https://bit.ly/4uJ6s0u

03/06/2026

The countdown begins!

On the 8th of June (World Ocean Day), we’ll mark 10 years of the Blue Belt Programme.

For a decade, this programme has been working in partnership with UK Overseas Territories to protect some of the world’s most unique and valuable marine environments, tackling the global threats of overfishing, species extinction and climate change.

The UK Overseas Territories have dedicated over 4 million square kilometres to lead on conservation and management practices.

From strengthening marine protection to supporting sustainable use of ocean resources, the Programme has shown how conservation can deliver for both people and planet.

Learn more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-blue-belt-programme

03/06/2026

Congratulations to JNCC’s Chief Scientist, Dave Stone, on being recognised in The ENDS Report Power List 2026 🌿

The list highlights the UK’s most influential environmental professionals, and this recognition reflects Dave’s work to strengthen the role of science in decision-making - helping ensure decisions are based on strong evidence for nature, people and our shared future.

Through his leadership at JNCC and across the UK’s Chief Scientists’ Group, Dave brings people together and champions the value of science in shaping real-world action.

A fitting recognition of Dave’s contribution and the important role science plays in delivering better outcomes for nature and people 💚

🔗 https://jncc.gov.uk/news/jncc-chief-scientist-recognised-on-ends-report-power-list-2026/

03/06/2026

Celebrating Overseas Territories Day 🌍

On 1 June, JNCC colleagues Louisa Fennelly, Alyssa Fischer and Amanda Gregory attended a special event at Speaker’s House, hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.

Bringing together partners working across the UK Overseas Territories, the day featured inspiring speeches from Minister Stephen Doughty and Bermuda’s Premier, E. David Burt, and ended with Evensong at Westminster Abbey.

💚

02/06/2026

We’re delighted JNCC's Sarah Scott-Marshall has been recognised on the Ends Report Power List 2026.

Sarah plays a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s domestic and international biodiversity agenda and ensuring policy decisions are grounded in robust science and practical delivery experience. She also leads on JNCC's contribution to IPBES

Please join us in congratulating Sarah! 🥳

Find out more: http://bit.ly/4vu00up

01/06/2026