🪸 Hidden treasures in Par's rockpools! Senior Data Officer Julie spotted a yellow skirt slug (Okenia elegans) 💛 on Spit Beach. Listed by the NBN as a Nationally Rare Species, it's proof that even a casual rockpool can uncover remarkable wildlife. Record your observations: https://uk.inaturalist.org/

Recently, Chloe, DASSH Data Manager, attended the Plymouth Shark Science and Conservation Committee, organised by The Shark trust as part of Shark Month. Chloe presented on data flows, demonstrating how effective data management underpins marine research and supports evidence-based decision making.

❗Warning: This course may lead to excessive enthusiasm for data governance❗ Registration is open for MEDIN's FREE Marine Data Management, Governance & Toolset training. Build your marine data skills and become a data champion! 👉 https://medin.org.uk/  @thembauk.bsky.social

🌊 New data has just dropped! 📊 We've recently published 7 new marine biodiversity datasets on the DASSH mapper... 🦀 4 datasets from DAERA 🌱 1 dataset from NatureScot 🪸 2 datasets from @thembauk.bsky.social  Dive in and discover - https://www.dassh.ac.uk/dasshmapper

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month 📷 @beccamace spotted a common seal (Phoca vitulina) at Flamborough Outer Headlands 🦭 Jun-Jul is pupping season, so if you're lucky enough to spot common seals along the coast, remember to keep a safe distance. 👉 https://uk.inaturalist.org @thembauk.bsky.social

We found an illustration of this cute cephalopod in Forbes' 'A history of British Mollusca and their shells' 1853 Described in volume 4, the plate illustration can be found in volume 1 📷BL.48/F

💙 Sea Spectacles: June Factsheet 🌊 This month we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Atlantic bobtail squid! From its clever use of symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria to its unique way of hiding in the sand, this tiny cephalopod is full of remarkable adaptations. @thembauk.bsky.social

🦀 Help us name our newest team member! 🦀 Meet our Chinese mitten crab cuddly toy, gifted to DASSH by former Data Officer Lizi 💙 It’s missing one thing—a name! Got a suggestion? Comment below 👇 Real mitten crabs are invasive in UK waters. Seen one? Report it 👉 [email protected]

New data available to explore via the DASSH Mapper: 🦪 FISP oyster aquaculture studies (2022–2024)  🌿 Helford intertidal transects (1986–1999) 🌍 Falmouth Bay & Estuaries conservation overview (1996) 🐚 Antony Lynher Estuary survey of Crassostrea gigas (2014) 👉 www.dassh.ac.uk/dasshmapper

🌊 Take part in the #BigSeaweedSearch (25th July–2nd Aug) and help scientists track ocean change. Get involved: • Download the guide • Photograph seaweed • Upload your sightings Join the Natural History Museum & Marine Conservation Society and make a difference 💙

🌊 Now live: Marine Research Plymouth Alliance film Great to see the @thembauk.bsky.social featured! A snapshot of collaboration between @pml.ac.uk, @plymuni.bsky.social & MBA - driving world-leading ocean research. 🎥 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HypG...

New data just dropped 📊🌊 In the past month we’ve published 13 open-access marine biodiversity datasets through Marine Recorder Online: 🔹 6 Seasearch 🔹 1 Natural England 🔹 1 NatureScot 🔹 5 DAERA Explore them all on the DASSH Mapper 👉 https://www.dassh.ac.uk/dasshmapper @thembauk.bsky.social

#OBISNodeSpotlight 🌟 Discover how OBIS UK connects one of the world's most active national marine biodiversity data ecosystems to the global stage. From research institutes to citizen science, OBIS UK helps make marine biodiversity data FAIR and globally accessible: obis.org/2026/05/29/n...

👀 iNaturalist Observation of the Month 📷 Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) spotted near Roker Pier, Sunderland by Tony Parker (funkyt1973)! 🐬🌊 Intelligent, playful, and up to 4m long, these dolphins are a joy to see. Record your sightings 👉 https://buff.ly/48wRAPI @thembauk.bsky.social

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 👇