Restoring fish and invertebrate populations
From clouds of Monarch butterflies flying from the trees after their winter hibernation, or 50 million sardines synchronised together and moving as one, fish and invertebrate species are responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring moments on earth.
They can bring life to the most inhospitable places and support the ecosystems we all depend on. By protecting these species, like through helping to establish the world's largest Marine Protected area, the Chagos Archipelago, or restoring butterflies on the edge of extinction, we are safeguarding nature and creating a healthier, sustainable future for both wildlife and people.
Fish and invertebrate conservation
- Under threat from fishing and habitat degradation
Angel Shark Conservation
We’re working at the cutting edge of conservation to protect angel sharks and create practical routes to their recovery.
- Project
The Greater Thames Shark Project
Working together with anglers to better understand the importance of the Thames estuary to these animals and to ensure their long-term survival in the wild.
- We're monitoring invasive non-native species in the Thames
Thames Invasive Species
We're monitoring invasive non-native species in the Thames to protect the wider ecosystem.
- Our Sea Our Life - Tackling unsustainable fishing practices
Our Sea Our Life - Tackling unsustainable fishing practices
Working with communities to establish more sustainable fishing practices.
- Restoring Polynesian history
Partula snail conservation
We saved the remaining Polynesian snails before they could be wiped out forever, and we have been breeding them ever since to restore their precious ecosystem and place in history.
- The species are now classified as ‘Critically Endangered’
European eel conservation
European eels once thrived in London’s rivers but the number of young joining the adult populations has dropped dramatically since the 1980s.
- Investigating complex marine ecosystems
Indian Ocean Marine Science
Working to protect the coral reefs in one of the most exploited oceans on the planet.
- Among world’s largest research datasets on strandings
UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP)
We're investigating the strandings of all basking sharks on UK coastlines, as well as cetaceans and marine turtles.
- Developing sustainable fishing
Benthic Habitats of West Greenland
Understanding the impact of trawling to protect the future of this precious ecosystem for people and wildlife.
- A previously extinct species in England
Bringing back the Chequered skipper butterfly to English woodlands
Post-release monitoring of the conservation work has provided evidence that the newly established populations are thriving once again in English woodlands.
- Breeding some of the rarest fish on earth
Freshwater fish conservation
Our Aquarium at Whipsnade Zoo is a hub for global conservation, as we recover some of the most endangered fish species in the world.
