We’re pleased to share that DASSH is now a provisional member of the FIDELIS TDR Network 🎉 FIDELIS is a European initiative working to strengthen data repository ecosystems through shared frameworks for policies and workflows 🌍 Learn more 👉 https://eden-fidelis.eu/ #DASSH #MarineBiodiversity

💙 Sea Spectacles: May Factsheet 🌊 This month we're shining a spotlight on the common cuttlefish - from its impressive intelligence and problem-solving abilities to it's remarkable hunting skills and short but fascinating life cycle.  Dive in and discover what makes this species so extraordinary!

🐙🐚 Happy International Day for Biodiversity! 🐟🦑 Today (22nd May) we’re celebrating the amazing variety of life on Earth 🌍 Join iNaturalist’s project (15th–31st May) & share your observations 👉 https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/idb-2026-acting-locally-for-global-impact/join @thembauk.bsky.social

🌊 When digital ocean tools meet real decision-making. DTO-BioFlow is moving from what’s possible to what’s usable — through targeted matchmaking events with real users 🤝 👉 Discover more: tinyurl.com/56zw86te #DTOBioFlow #DigitalOcean #EDITO

🌊 National BioBlitz 2026 🌿 Join 23rd–31st May to record wildlife, learn new skills & support citizen science with The Rock Pool Project. Everyone can take part! Register here 👉 https://www.therockpoolproject.co.uk/national-bioblitz @thembauk.bsky.social @therockpoolproject.bsky.social

🌊 EMODnet Biology Annual Meeting 🌍 Chloe Figueroa Ashforth represented the MBA in Santander (6–7 May), collaborating with European partners on marine biodiversity data. The MBA Data Team supports EMODnet Biology, helping make high-quality data accessible for research & sustainable ocean management.

🌊 BioBlitz Week Webinars 💻 Join expert-led sessions with The Rock Pool Project: 👩‍💻 Using R to explore iNaturalist data (19th May & 2nd June, 2pm) 🦀 UK marine invasive non-native species (21st May, 7pm) 👤 Hosted by Dr Ben Holt 👉 Sign up:

Ellen (DASSH Data Officer) & Dan (Head of Data & Info) were in Montpellier for #BioMonWeek26 🌍 Ellen presented Defra-funded offshore wind monitoring data work, while Dan covered data tools & chaired GBIF/OBIS and marine data sessions. Here’s a glimpse of the conference & sunny Montpellier 🌞

Time is running out to celebrate those who are strengthening our understanding of the UK’s natural world. Nominate a #Wildlife recorder for the @nbntrust.bsky.social  #NBNawards26 before 18th May. Just answer a few simple questions in the 7 Award categories https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations

DASSH is now listed by the Research Data Alliance as endorsing the TRUST Principles🤩These principles (Transparency, Responsibility, User Focus, Sustainability & Technology) reinforce our commitment to high-quality marine biodiversity data👉

#WildlifeRecording is vital for #ConservationUK. Who are your recording heroes? Nominate them for @nbntrust.bsky.social #NBNawards26 7 categories: https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations Deadline-18th May. @nbntrust.bsky.social

🌊❔ What is the link between Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs)? A new infographic explains how EOVs and EBVs connect. 👉 Full series: marcobolo-project.eu/eovs-ebvs-in... Feel free to share! #GOOS #GOOSBioEco #GEOBON #MBON @erinninnovation.bsky.social

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month 📷 A brilliant find by Brittasaffron: a sea lemon (Archidorus pseudoargus) near Plymouth 🍋🌊 This lumpy sea slug blends in with sponges it feeds on, and isn’t always yellow! ID your finds with iNaturalist 👉 https://buff.ly/48wRAPI Photo by: Britta Saffron Holmes

🌊 Sea Spectacles: April Factsheet 🐙 This month we’re shining a spotlight on the common octopus - from its fascinating behaviour and life cycle to why it’s been making waves closer to home recently. Dive in and discover what makes this species so remarkable!

We’ve just published a new blog post on iNaturalist UK about the recent Orca sightings in Cornwall, featuring the iconic individuals John Coe and Aquarius. Take a look here 👉 https://uk.inaturalist.org/blog/127644-iconic-orcas-john-coe-and-aquarius-sighted-in-cornwall Photo by: Gill Fisher

✨ National BioBlitz is back! ✨ Between 23rd and 31st May, The Rock Pool Project wants YOU to help hunt down sneaky non-native beach invaders! 🦀 🌱 Grab your bucket, hit the shore, and record whatever creatures you find.  Take a look 👀 👉

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month goes to Nova Patch for spotting a common whelk (Buccinum undatum) egg capsule at Sutton South, Dublin! 🐚✨ These spongy, foam-like capsules often wash ashore after hatching and are frequently mistaken for plastic litter 👉 buff.ly/48wRAPI Photo by: Nova Patch

🌊🪸 Welcome back to Sea Spectacles! 🐟🪼 March’s featured species is the Minke Whale, the smallest of the baleen whales! 🐋✨ Did you know that Minke whales are known for their curiosity, and will approach boats, a behaviour that makes them favourites among whale‑watchers! 📸 Photo by Sam Plowright

🐚 As our oceans change and new research emerges, the Marine Species of Britain, Ireland & Adjacent Seas (MSBIAS) keeps growing. In the last year alone, 61 species were added! 🔍 Got a species update (listed in WoRMS + evidence)? Email: [email protected] Explore MSBIAS 👉 buff.ly/fuQzzCT

🎉🎂 iNaturalist turns 18 this weekend! 🎂🎉 From March 20th–23rd, head outside and share observations of your favourite species. Big or small, common or unusual - every observation helps us learn more about nature. 💚 Join the birthday fun 🎈 buff.ly/RiXskgH #iNaturalistUK #iNatBirthday

🪸Tricky Taxon Thursday: Lepas anatifera 🪸 These Goose Barnacles cling to driftwood, rocks, and ship hulls, drifting miles across the sea. They have long stalks resembling a goose’s neck, named from the myth that barnacle geese grew from them 🔍Explore goose barnacle records 👇 📸 Julie Bunt

🎉🌿 iNaturalist is turning 18! 🌿🎉 Join the global Birthday Project 20th-23rd March by getting outside and observing your favourite species. 🐝🪱🦎 If it crawls, buzzes, slithers, swims, or sprouts-share it with the iNaturalist community! 🎈 👉 Get ready to explore: buff.ly/RiXskgH #iNaturalistUK

🚨🌊New marine data published!🚨 🌿 ⛵️ 1962 MBA European Continental Slope RV Sarsia Cruise No. P1 July ⛵️ 1960 MBA European Continental Slope RV Sarsia Cruise No. P3 June ⛵️ 1958 MBA European Continental Slope RV Sarsia Cruise No. 6 🔍 start exploring on the MEDIN Discovery portal

🚨🐟 New marine data published!🚨 🪼 🪸 2023 Seasearch Surveys for Sussex 🪸 2023 University of Essex UK Juvenile Seabass Survey 🪸 2005 BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd North Everest Platform site survey May 2005 Environmental Report 🔍 start exploring on the MEDIN Discovery portal

🌊🪸 Welcome back to Sea Spectacles! 🐟🪼 February’s species is the Risso’s Dolphin, a striking deep‑water mammal known for it's lively surface behaviour🐬✨ Did you know Risso’s dolphins collect many pale scars throughout their lives causing adults to appear almost completely white? 📸 Sam Plowright

A Ross’s gull has turned up in a Cornish harbour. Sightings this far south are rare, making this a real treat for birders! If you’re lucky enough to spot it, please keep a respectful distance and upload your photos to iNaturalist - buff.ly/fADRIUo Photo: Rex Leung

Exhausted - and in some cases dead - Atlantic puffins have been washing up around the UK recently after storms have left them weak and unable to feed. If you find a puffin: ✍️Log your sighting on iNaturalist: buff.ly/sMJmnVF 🚑If it’s alive, contact a local veterinary practice who can advise you

🌊 Hey ocean data nerds (said with love 💙)! Registration is OPEN for MEDIN’s free online workshop: “Marine Data Management, Governance & the MEDIN Toolset” 📆 23–27 Feb 2026 Join in: buff.ly/tLdLJNv Use enrolment key: MEDIN022026 Questions? Email Roseanna → [email protected]

Happy end of Love Your Data Week 2026! 🩵 In the DASSH Mapper, we're proud to host 6,182,636 marine biodiversity occurrences across 5,085 surveys - all openly accessible for anyone to explore! Dive into the data 👉 buff.ly/FcSz6pH Here's to championing FAIR, high-quality marine data!

🪸 Tricky Taxon Thursday: parablennius pilicornis 🪸 The Ringneck Blenny thrives in rocky coastal areas, eating algae, tiny invertebrates, and detritus to support ecosystems. They move their fins to communicate and males guard their territories 🔍️ See 7 records at DASSH 👇 📸 Keith Hiscock

🔬 Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 🔬 Today we want to celebrate the amazing women in the DASSH team, who's expertise and passion help to make Marine biodiversity data accessible to everyone 📊 Here's to empowering women and girls in STEM everywhere!👩‍🔬 #WomenInSTEM #Data

🌊🪸 Welcome back to sea spectacles🐟 🪼 January’s species is the Humpback Whale, one of the ocean’s most iconic giants known for its songs and spectacular breaches. 🐋✨ Did you know their complex songs can travel for miles underwater, playing a role in communication, navigation and courtship. 🎶

🪸Tricky Taxon Thursday: Patella pellucida 🪸 The striking blue-rayed limpet, with its vibrant azure streaks, measures just 2cm, and resides on kelp in fast-flowing waters, from the lower shore to depths of 25-27m. In autumn, they shift to the holdfast to survive winter storms. 🔍See 3782 records👇

🪸Tricky Taxon Thursday: Hydractinia echinata 🪸 Hermit crab fur is a colonial hydroid, a spiky mat on hermit crabs shells. It sprouts 3 polyp types: Tentacled feeding polyps, Gonozoids for larva production, Stinging defensive polyps. Larvae can sense and crawl to active shells. See all records 👇

🎯 Marine sites wanted! Join eDNA Expeditions, an OBIS-led project mobilizing environmental DNA to support local marine biodiversity monitoring and increase global ocean knowledge. ☑️ Kits, training & support provided ✅ Don't miss the opportunity! ➡️ ednaexpeditions.org

🪸 Tricky Taxon Thursday: Blennius ocellaris 🪸 The butterfly blenny is a small but fascinating fish found along rocky reefs and in seagrass beds. Its distinctive black eye-like marking (ocellus) on the dorsal fin helps deter predators. 🔍 Explore multiple records using our DASSH mapper 👇

🌊 Registration is OPEN! 🌊 Join MEDIN’s FREE online workshop: Marine Data Management, Governance & the MEDIN Toolset 📅 23rd–27th Feb 2026 ✅ Perfect for new starters & anyone improving data practices 🔗 Enrol via OceanTeacher: buff.ly/DCNCGHG Use key: MEDIN022026 Questions? Contact [email protected]

🪸Tricky Taxon Thursday: Watersipora subatra 🪸 The red ripple bryozoan forms rose-like sheets on rocks, walls, and boats. Composed of thousands of zooids, it thrives by collective feeding & growth. Although native to Japan and invasive in the UK, it hasn't caused negative impacts. See 1357 records 👇

Why rock pools matter 🌊 They’re early warning systems for coastal health. Join our FREE marineLIVE with Dr Ben Holt @therockpoolproject.bsky.social) on Tue 10th Feb 2026 to see how citizen science protects biodiversity. Sign up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1976620250... @dassh-at-the-mba.bsky.social

🐟 New marine data published!🪼 📊 1990-1998 Port Erin Marine Laboratory (PEML) Isle of Man dive survey 📊 1999 UMBSM/ IUEM/ ICRAM/ MLA Clyde Sea Toothed Dredge Impact Survey - Grab and Suction Sampling 📊 1961 Marine Biological Association of the UK (MBA) Bay of Biscay RV Sarsia Cruise October

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month From Mount Batten, iNaturalist user brittasaffron spotted a stunning blue-rayed limpet (Patella pellucida), a tiny gastropod known for the electric-blue lines shimmering through its shell Share your observations on iNaturalist 👉 buff.ly/FTA6wQz 📸 brittasaffron

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from DASSH ✨🌊 As the year draws to a close, we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributes to, supports, and uses DASSH 💙 Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year 🐚🐟

🌊🪸 Welcome back to sea spectacles🐟 🪼 This month's festive species is the common Angel shark, a small, flat ray-like shark that buries itself on the sea floor.🦈 Did you know this incredible species can launch into a lightning fast ambush, snapping up prey in the blink of an eye? ⚡

📹DASSHcam Diaries 🎬 On 4th Dec, The DASSH team attended the MEDIN Open Meeting 2025 at the Met Office, Exeter. Featuring talks highlighting the progress of addressing marine data management challenges. Dan Lear & Julie Bunt presented flash talks on marine recorder online and citizen science data.

🪸Tricky Taxon Thursday: Urticina felina🪸 The Dahlia anemone, a vibrant coastal treasure of the UK, has tentacles that resemble floral petals. Covered in sand and shell bits, they blend in to catch fish and crustaceans, using their stinging arms to capture prey. Explore 5000+ records👇

📹 DASSHcam Diaries 🎬 On 20th Nov, Lizi Sheppard attended the NBN Conference 2025, taking place at the SS Great Britain, Bristol. The conference celebrated the 25th anniversary of the NBN Trust and focused on the theme "25 years of making data work for nature"🌿 #NBNconf2025 #MarineData

🌊 New datasets on the DASSH Mapper! 🌿 • 2005 Total E&P – Rig Site Survey (UKCS 53/3c) • 2006 Shell UK – Pipeline/Umbilical Route Infill Survey (21/25) • 1981 SEPA – Irvine & Ayr Bay Grab Survey • 2001 EA – Deben Estuary Intertidal Survey Explore here 🔗 buff.ly/dZOqawL #DASSH #MarineData

🎉 After celebrating DASSH’s 20th birthday, we thought it was time for a little shameless sharing… 😇 So here are a few testimonials that truly warmed our hearts. 💛✨ Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey! @thembauk.bsky.social #DASSH #MarineData

Meet Dan Lear, Head of Data, Information and Technology, here to explain @dassh-at-the-mba.bsky.social ... DASSH is the UK Data Archive Centre for marine species and habitats, working to improve data standards and data availability at a global level. Find out more - www.dassh.ac.uk

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month 📷 This month’s featured sighting comes from The Helford in Cornwall, where Bill Gore snapped the beautiful nudibranch Aeolidia filomenae. 🐚✨ Seen something interesting by the coast? Share it on iNaturalist 👉 buff.ly/39dgFk0 🔍📲 📸 Photo by Bill Gore