Life Below the Surface on the Isle of Man
In partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust
The Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT) is proud to support the Manx Wildlife Trust, the Isle of Man’s leading conservation charity, whose work protects and restores the island’s remarkable marine and terrestrial wildlife.
From the reintroduction of puffins to the study of hidden underwater ecosystems and the tracking of small shark species, these projects are helping reveal, restore and protect the extraordinary natural life that exists both above and below the sea.
Restoring Seabird Life
One of Manx Wildlife Trust’s most exciting conservation initiatives is the reintroduction of puffins to the Calf of Man, where these much-loved seabirds were once a familiar sight.
By creating a safe breeding environment and using decoys together with an acoustic speaker system to attract birds back to the site, the project aims to encourage puffins to return and nest once again.
It is a hopeful and highly visible example of species recovery — and a reminder that with the right intervention, ecological restoration is possible.
Featured Underwater Footage
To better understand the life that exists beneath Manx waters, the Trust uses Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs), which record fish and invertebrates in their natural environment without disturbance.
These videos provide valuable scientific data while also offering a rare and captivating glimpse into the secret life of the sea.
Revealing Hidden Marine Life
Much of the Isle of Man’s marine biodiversity remains unseen. Through BRUV monitoring, Manx Wildlife Trust is able to document species that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping build a clearer understanding of the richness and health of local marine ecosystems.
This work is not only scientifically important — it also helps connect people more deeply to the marine environment by showing the beauty and diversity that lies just beneath the surface.
Tracking the Isle of Man’s Small Sharks
The Trust is also focusing on species such as bull huss and tope, two small shark species that play an important role in local marine ecosystems yet are often overlooked or misunderstood.
By tagging and tracking these animals, researchers are learning more about their movements, habitats and ecological significance — knowledge that is vital for long-term marine conservation and sustainable management.
What Our Support Can Help Achieve
NCCT has chosen Manx Wildlife Trust as one of its Summer 2026 projects and has committed £5,000 in support of this important work.
Every donation from our guests goes directly towards projects such as these, helping fund practical conservation tools and tangible fieldwork outcomes.
£1,800
Could fund the puffin speaker system, including approximately 50 puffin decoys and their support rods.
£1,500
Could fund a complete BRUV unit, including a GoPro camera, underwater housing and video lighting.
£1,350
Could fund SST shark tags, including import duty and shipping costs.
“By understanding what lives beneath the waves, we are better able to protect the ecosystems that sustain island life.”
Enduring Impact
Together, these projects reflect a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to conservation — one that combines species recovery, marine research and public engagement to help safeguard the Isle of Man’s natural heritage for generations to come.
How to Contribute
If you would like to support this project, you can donate online:
Donate OnlineAlternatively, if you would prefer to make a donation by cheque, please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to:
2 Chester Close
London, SW1X 7BE
If you are eligible for Gift Aid, you can increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost by completing our Gift Aid Form .