Dedicated to marine science, conservation and education

St Abbs Marine Station

Why we’re here

We are 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 scientists.

Latest

From subsea power cable to small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula: Behavioural effects of electromagnetic fields in tank experiments

Author: Annemiek Hermans Ties Maris Jeroen Hubert Corentine Rochas Dr. Kevin Scott Albertinka Murk Hendrik Winter

Publish date: 1st Apr 2025

Published in: Marine Environmental Research

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Ultimate Fighting Crab: Agonistic behaviour, dominance, and recognition in the edible crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

Author: Finlay Hamilton Jonathan Wilkes Dr. Kevin Scott

Publish date: 9th Nov 2024

Published in: fishes

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The predictability of fluctuating environments shapes the thermal tolerance of marine ectotherms and compensates narrow safety margins

Author: Dr. Marco Fusi Dr. Jenny Booth Erica Chapman Prof. Bill Sanderson Prof. Karen Diele

Publish date: 30th Oct 2024

Published in: scientific reports

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Social media

On Monday there were a number of sightings of mink

On Monday there were a number of sightings of minke whales off Coldingham Bay and off Kirk Hill, just south of St Abb’s Head lighthouse. On hearing the news, Marine Station staff and volunteers rushed along the coast path towards Coldingham Bay and got some great views of a minke and even captured this wee bit of video footage. Its always exciting to see a whale, but for some it was their first ever sighting, so incredibly special!

Did you know, minke vocalisations can be as loud as 150 decibels - that's the same as a jet plane taking off – and some have likened them to the sound of a Star Wars lightsaber! 🐳

#minkewhale #coldingham #stabbs

Last week was Volunteer Week, so we decided to ask

Last week was Volunteer Week, so we decided to ask our vollies to spend the week putting together a video of what its like volunteering with us. Looks like fun doesn't it?!

But seriously - we couldn't do it without them.

We had a little bit of drama at lunch time. A memb

We had a little bit of drama at lunch time. A member of the public spotted a jackdaw floundering about in the harbour. Luckily we had a (very) long handled net and a long armed member of staff who was able to (just) reach the bird and scoop it out of the water so that it didn't suffer the fate of its sibling that was floating face down not far away. We popped it in a box and kept it in a quiet place until the SSPCA could come and pick it up. They reported that it didn't appear to have any injuries apart from a stiff shoulder, so it would be kept in for a couple of nights observation and then probably released! Good news for one of the birds anyway.

Our footage isn't great but what an amazing experi

Our footage isn't great but what an amazing experience to be able to see orca from our shores 💞

Its Mental Health Awareness Week. Did you know tha

Its Mental Health Awareness Week. Did you know that scientific research shows that spending time near water is good for our mental health. Here at the Marine Station we see and hear the sea every day, but you can also get benefit from being near a river or Loch, or even listening to the soothing sound of a fountain. But in our opinion the sea is best! So if you cannot get to the sea, here's a wee sample of what it looks and sounds like just outside our door!

#mentalhealthawreness #bluemind #marinescience #Stabbs

The mesocosm - one of our more unique features whi

The mesocosm - one of our more unique features which allows us to conduct research here at St Abbs Marine Station.

Last week we were very sad to say goodbye Alfie Pi

Last week we were very sad to say goodbye Alfie Piper who has been with us since 2017. Alfie first came to join us as a volunteer in 2017, and was taken on as a full time (and paid) researcher in 2021. Later she became qualified as one of our Trained Animal Care & Welfare Officers. Alfie’s particular passion was for marine invertebrates. She brought a unique energy to the Marine Station, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her luck in her new adventures.

Are you looking for a career in Marine Biology? Do

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. We would like someone who can commit to at least 3 days per week and we can offer self-catering accommodation near the station. Sorry, applicants must be over 18 years.

For more information and to download an application form, go to https://marinestation.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/

#marinescience #volunteeringopportunities #StAbbs #marinebiology #PlacementOpportunities

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