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.
Join us for National BioBlitz 2026, a week of discovery, biodiversity recording and citizen science across the UK! This year we’ll once again be focusing on invasive species, helping scientists better understand where these species are appearing and how they impact our native ecosystems.
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.
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)
23rd to 31st May 2026
The Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz takes place all across the UK, and anyone can take part wherever they are. Participants head to their local rocky shore, explore the rock pools, and record what they find using the iNaturalist app. It is a flexible, week-long event, so you can choose the day that works best for you. Whether you take part on your own or with friends and family, you can help build a national picture of marine life on our coasts.
We’re currently putting together full details on participation, guides, suggested survey routes and data submission tools for 2026. Sign up for updates to be the first to hear when everything goes live!
While we’re finalising plans for 2026, check out materials from National BioBlitz 2025.
Event Report 2025
Results and highlights from last year’s Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz, where hundreds of participants explored and documented coastal wildlife.
Expert Webinar Series Recordings
Recordings from last year’s webinars where scientists shared insights on species identification, why monitoring matters, and how your observations make a difference.
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.
