From breeding seals to eels travelling over 3,000 miles, remarkable sightings around Essex showcase the rich diversity of marine wildlife found in connected seas, rivers, streams and estuaries. This National Marine Week (25^th July – 9^th August), Essex Wildlife Trust is exploring the incredible journeys made by marine wildlife that live in or visit UK waters and highlighting the importance of protecting the interconnected habitats these species depend on.

Summer is one of the best times to see wildlife, with warmer weather and calmer seas creating more opportunities to spot marine life. As people visit beaches, coastal paths and shorelines, Essex Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to responsibly look for wildlife and to report their sightings. These records help build a better understanding of the lives and movements of marine species in and around UK waters, and how they may be changing over time. 

Alex Smith, Marine & Coastal Engagement Officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: 

“Our sea and coastline are home an incredible variety of magical species and habitats which have inspired my love of marine biology and conservation. The diversity, adaptations and lifestyles of these species are fascinating and truly encapsulate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. However, this world is under threat, and we must do all we can to help protect it and reduce pressures. Through education, awareness, and actions, we can help to ensure that the marine world continues to inspire and hopefully thrive. By joining our fantastic National Marine Week events, we hope you’ll be inspired by the marine world as much as we are and take action for its protection”.

Daniele Clifford, marine conservation officer at The Wildlife Trusts, said:

“People often think you have to travel abroad to see incredible marine life, but there are amazing animals living in and travelling through UK waters. From mighty whales to soaring seabirds and even limpets on the move, there are Blue Planet moments happening off our coasts every day.

“These animals face many challenges during their journeys – from accidental capture in fishing gear and man-made barriers blocking their paths to rising sea temperatures. Protecting the places they depend on has never been more urgent, and everyone can play their part. By recording the marine wildlife and sharing any sightings with your local Wildlife Trust, you can help efforts to understand, protect and restore habitats and marine life. 

“Throughout National Marine Week, Wildlife Trusts across the UK will be hosting events and sharing online resources to help you discover the wildlife beneath the waves and the incredible journeys these animals make. Whether you know your porpoises from your dolphins or not, our experts are on hand to review your photographs and videos, answer your questions and help you learn more about the remarkable marine life found around our shores.”

The UK’s seas, coasts and connected rivers form part of internationally important migration routes, breeding and feeding grounds for many species, making healthy seas, rivers and coastlines vital for wildlife in the UK and beyond. 

European eels migrate between British rivers and the Sargasso Sea, Arctic terns travel thousands of miles from breeding sites in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, including the UK, to the Antarctic each year, while species such as basking sharks, sunfish and bluefin tuna travel to UK waters in summer to feed.

While some marine animals follow long-distance migration routes that have been used for thousands of years, others make shorter but equally important movements within UK seas and along the coast, to feed, breed and raise their young.

But these journeys are becoming increasingly challenging. Rising sea temperatures driven by climate change, alongside pollution, habitat loss, unsustainable development and fishing are all placing growing pressure on UK seas. Protecting marine wildlife and the vital journeys these species undertake requires action at every scale – from restoring rivers and safeguarding coastal and marine habitats to securing protections in international waters.

This year, National Marine Week aims to inspire people to better understand the remarkable marine wildlife found in our waters and the importance of protecting these amazing animals on their journeys through interconnected waters. Supported by players of Postcode Lottery, Essex Wildlife Trust will be hosting family-friendly events, giving people the chance to learn more about Essex’s coastal habitats and discover the incredible wildlife they support. 

Event highlights include: Family Fossil Discovery days, seal spotting events, guided walks and guided beach cleans at The Naze Nature Discovery Centre in Walton-on-the-Naze, talks about Essex’s marine life at Thameside in Stanford-Le-Hope and a marine-themed daytime paint and sip event at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre in Hornchurch.

Find out more about National Marine Week and discover an event near you

To report a sighting, visit: Marine sightings & strandings | The Wildlife Trusts