St Abbs Marine Station

@marinestation.bsky.social

We are a marine research facility committed to delivering high quality independent scientific research that tackles local, regional and global marine issues. Our work focuses on conservation, coastal ecosystems and training marine scientist

On Monday there were a number of sightings of minke whales in the area. Marine Station staff and volunteers were lucky enough to get some great views and even captured this wee bit of video footage. Especially exciting for some, for whom it was a first!

Its Mental Health Awareness Week! Scientific research shows that spending time near water is good for our mental health. We see and hear the sea every day, but if you cannot get to the sea, here's a wee sample of what it looks and sounds like just outside our door!

Last week we were sad to say bye Alfie Piper who has been with us since 2017. Alfie first came to join us as a volunteer, and was taken on as a full time (and paid) researcher in 2021. She brought a unique energy to the Marine Station, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her luck for the future.

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Are you looking for a career in Marine Biology? Do you have some free time between now and the end of May? If so, why not come and volunteer with us! Primary duties will be animal husbandry and general aquarium maintenance and assisting with research projects. Sorry, applicants must be over 18 yo.

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We had a very enjoyable and productive Science Day with partners from the The University of Edinburgh, The Roslin Institute, NatureScot and The National Trust for Scotland on Monday. Its always great to get so many people in one place at a time to share thoughts and ideas.

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We always enjoy being able to release marine creatures back into the wild. Here's Eloise, Joe and Reece releasing some flounders. Look carefully and you will see that Reece's flounder is a little slow on realising it can swim free! 😍

🦞Happy International Women’s Day! Did you know that a female lobster carrying eggs is called a berried hen? This is one of our female European lobsters. A glue like substance keeps her eggs secured to her swimmerets under her tail for protection. Her eggs can be held for up to a year🦞

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Happy Darwin Day! Did you know that during their larval stage a flounders (and other flatfish) eyes are located either side of their head? Then a metamorphosis period occurs during which one eye migrates, so both end up on one side of their head before they settle onto the seabed!

a speckled flounder in a yellow bucket

Lovely to see an otter hunting in the water just off the Marine Station this morning; successfully too! We couldn't ID what it caught, but it was quite sizeable as you'll see if you zoom into these photos! It always gives you a buzz to see wildlife like this, especially when its on your doorstep! 😍

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Are you looking for a career in Marine Biology? Would you be interested in gaining or adding to existing practical experience of working in a marine research facility during the summer of 2025? We are now accepting applications for volunteers for the period between May and September.