Urgent Call to Action: Are Cornwall’s Rock Pools at Risk from Invasive Species?

Public Invited to Join Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz 2025

People across the country are being urged to head to the coast this May to take part in a major citizen science campaign aimed at protecting marine life.

Running from 17th to 25th May 2025, the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz 2025 invites the public to explore their local rock pools and log their findings using the iNaturalist app. The project will help scientists track the spread of invasive, non-native species, which are posing a growing threat to the UK’s coastal ecosystems.

A Growing Threat to Marine Life

Since the 1960s, over 20 invasive marine species have become established on UK shores, with concerns mounting about further introductions in the years ahead. Species such as the slipper limpet, Pacific oyster, and Wireweed are becoming increasingly widespread, risking the displacement of native species, habitat damage, and disruptions to the natural food chains.

Rock pools are particularly vulnerable, already facing pressures from climate change and pollution. Monitoring these environments is vital to conservation efforts, but existing records are often patchy and outdated.

Why Your Help Matters

Dr Ben Holt, CEO of The Rock Pool Project, explained, “The UK’s rock pools are teeming with fascinating marine life, yet so much of it remains unrecorded. By taking part, you’ll be helping build a vital national picture of what’s living in our rock pools — and how that’s changing. And it’s a great way to connect with nature while doing something that really matters.”

Dan Lear, Head of Data & Information at the Marine Biological Association, added, “The data captured and shared by the Big Rockpool Challenge increases the available evidence to support our stewardship of the marine environment. All the data are shared with UK, European and global agencies, showing how a single species record can contribute to international policy development.”

📷Dr Ben Holt

Get Involved

Taking part in the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz 2025 is easy and open to everyone, including beginners. Participants can use clear identification guides to help log species accurately on the iNaturalist app.

Here’s how to join:

• Find a Rock Pool – Visit a local coastline and start exploring the rock pools, uncovering the hidden marine life.
• Record Your Discoveries – Use the free iNaturalist app to log findings. Be sure to join the project ‘BRPC National BioBlitz 2025’ to ensure your sightings are counted.
• Compete and Have Fun – Earn points for each find, engage in friendly BioBlitz Battles, and climb the leaderboards.
• Share Your Discoveries – Post your finds on social media using #BigRockPoolChallenge.

For more information and to sign up, visit The Rock Pool Project’s website.

The Big Rock Pool Challenge is funded by The ScottishPower Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with delivery by The Rock Pool Project in partnership with the Marine Biological Association.