# Event Details - **Event Name**: Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 20 May, 2026 at 02:30 pm – Wed, 20 May, 2026 at 04:00 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: Take part in the Big Seaweed Search - be a citizen scientist, explore coastal wildlife, and help protect UK seas. No experience needed!About this EventJoin the Marine Conservation Society and the Natural History Museum to celebrate ten years of the Big Seaweed Search. Become a citizen scientist for the day and discover the weird and wonderful world of seaweed.Often overlooked by rockpoolers searching for fish or crabs, seaweeds are vital to marine ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for a wide range of coastal wildlife and play an essential role in maintaining healthy seas.However, these remarkable algae are under increasing pressure from:Rising sea temperatures, which are shifting the natural ranges of some species northwardsInvasive non-native species, which compete with native seaweeds for space and nutrientsOcean acidification, which can damage coralline seaweedsThe Big Seaweed Search is a nationwide survey that tracks how these pressures are affecting seaweed distribution across the UK. The data collected has already contributed to important scientific research, including the UK Red List of seaweed species of conservation concern.Now it’s your chance to take part - no experience necessary.The session will begin with a short safety briefing and an introduction to the key seaweed species you’ll be looking for. We’ll then head to the rocky shore West of the car park to carry out the survey, timed for approximately one hour before low tide. A member of staff will be on hand throughout to guide and support you. Along the way, you’ll gain introductory skills in seaweed identification, and our team will also point out some of the animal species that live in and around these habitats as you encounter them.Who can take part:This event is family-friendly. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please note that accessing the shore may involve uneven and slippery terrain, so a moderate level of mobility is required.What to bring:All equipment will be provided - participants just need to come prepared with suitable clothing.Sturdy, waterproof footwear (e.g. wellies or waterproof boots)Weather-appropriate clothing - please check the forecast and bring waterproofs if needed and/or suitable UV and heat protection (suncream, hat, bottled water etc.)Event details:Duration: Approximately 90–120 minutesSpaces are limited and booking is requiredMeeting point - what3words ///passport.cashiers.cliff If weather conditions are unsafe, the event may be cancelled. Ticket holders will be notified in advance.Extra info:Limited car parking available at the harbour, arrive early to ensure you get a space!Toilets available in the car park - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/portstewart/big-seaweed-search-at-ballintoy-harbour/100001989250438611 - **Event Categories**: Meetups - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Portstewart - **state**: NI - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Ballintoy Harbour - **lat**: 55.2443016 - **long**: -6.368946299999999 - **full address**: Ballintoy Harbour, Harbour Road, Portstewart, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/fae4caec840475b18bae22ea20041d48b6d3598de8ec61726f54205c1ec212a7-rimg-w1200-h800-dceff1ef-gmir.jpg?v=1779142837 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour being held? - **A:** Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour takes place on Wed, 20 May, 2026 at 02:30 pm to Wed, 20 May, 2026 at 04:00 pm at Ballintoy Harbour, Harbour Road, Portstewart, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour? - **A:** Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour is organized by Marine Conservation Society. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Big Seaweed Search at Ballintoy Harbour", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/fae4caec840475b18bae22ea20041d48b6d3598de8ec61726f54205c1ec212a7-rimg-w1200-h800-dceff1ef-gmir.jpg?v=1779142837", "startDate": "2026-05-20T14:30:00+01:00", "endDate": "2026-05-20T16:00:00+01:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/portstewart/big-seaweed-search-at-ballintoy-harbour/100001989250438611", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "Ballintoy Harbour", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "Harbour Road", "postalCode": "BT54 6NA", "addressLocality": "Portstewart", "addressRegion": "NI", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "55.2443016", "longitude": "-6.368946299999999" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Take part in the Big Seaweed Search - be a citizen scientist, explore coastal wildlife, and help protect UK seas. 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