Cornish Sucker
This week’s Species in Focus is the Cornish Sucker. This unique looking fish may be little but packs a powerful ability to latch on to rocky surfaces using its adapted pelvic fins.
The Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz took place this past May. It was a week-long mission to discover and protect marine life, help track invasive species, and earn some Rock Pool Discovery Scores. No experience was needed — just curiosity and a love of the coast. Every record counted!
We’re thrilled to share the results of this huge, community-powered effort to record marine life across the UK coastline!
A chance to ask questions and gain insights directly from marine science experts! Explore how your coastal observations can help shape UK policy and understand why monitoring our marine life matters—plus, get top tips for getting started with rock pooling.
Recordings of all webinars are now available on our YouTube channel.
Since the 1960s, over 20 invasive marine species have established on UK shores — and more are expected. These non-native species often arrive via shipping or climate shifts and can harm native wildlife and ecosystems. Many are small, under-recorded, and spreading.
The National BioBlitz, following UK Invasive Species Week, is your chance to help. By recording what you find, you'll support conservation and marine management across the UK.
Want to learn more?
Explore this fantastic Marine Non-Native Species ID Guide from our partners at the Marine Biological Association (MBA):
MBA Marine Non-Native Species Guide (PDF)
17th to 25th May 2025
The Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz took place all across the UK, and anyone could take part wherever they were. All participants headed to their local rocky shore, explored the rock pools, and recorded what they found using the iNaturalist app. It was a flexible, week-long event, so people could choose the day that worked best for them. People took part on their own or with friends and family and helped build a national picture of marine life on our coasts.
Join the Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz and help us create one of the most comprehensive snapshots of UK rocky shore biodiversity! It’s a fun way to make a real impact on our understanding of marine life.
1. Visit your local rock pool
2. Record what you find
3. Earn your Rock Pool Discovery Score
The Big Rock Pool Challenge is proudly funded by The ScottishPower Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund whose generous support enables us to inspire communities and deliver lasting environmental impact across and beyond the South West.
This initiative is delivered in partnership with The Rock Pool Project and the Marine Biological Association. Together, we’re empowering people and their communities to connect with nature, contribute to valuable biodiversity data, and support the health of our coastal ecosystems for future generations.
This week’s Species in Focus is the Cornish Sucker. This unique looking fish may be little but packs a powerful ability to latch on to rocky surfaces using its adapted pelvic fins.
The Rock Pool Project Team pick out their top Rock Pooling Books
The broad-clawed porcelain crab is a charismatic little rock poolers favourite. It is the most common species of porcelain crab found in the UK and can often be found clinging tightly to the underside of rocks below mid tide level.
