Interested in Ocean matters? Join Clan Ocean
As a marine research and education charity, we work for a blue planet with a healthy Ocean that benefits nature and people. Being based in the Scottish highlands and islands region, we are 'innovating' our culture and operate a clan that is not connected by blood but by shared commitment and purpose.
We welcome anyone into Clan Ocean who wants to know more, find out more, experience more, express more, or do more for a healthier Ocean and thriving coastal communities. Many of our clan supporters are former students, staff, visitors, interns and trustees but also collaborators, artists, adventurers, neighbours, sailors, divers and ocean-loving people of all identities.
What unites Clan Ocean is
+ an enduring interest in the marine environment
+ a shared belief in the importance of independent marine science to inform decisions
+ a commitment to increasing ocean literacy
+ wanting to support and keep up-to-date with SAMS activities
+ a healthy Ocean is your happy place
If you share these values, please join us!
Clan Ocean: benefits
+ All contributions support SAMS' public outreach, education, research and engagement work
+ Clan supporters can contribute financially and/or with their time and expertise
+ You will receive e-invitations to 30-40 SAMS seminars each year: participate online or in person
+ You may access SAMS' Charles Wyville Thomson library in person (Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00)
+ Supporters receive our digital copies of our annual impact report and other corporate publications
+ Receive invitations to occasional SAMS events
+ Wear the Ocean tartan proudly and with purpose
Clan Ocean: contributions
For the past 30 years we have been charging our supporters £12 per year, or £5 for under 18s, students, unwaged and retired people.
We are currently reviewing the subscription model that we plan to re-launch for 2027, when contributions are likely to rise.
If you contribute more, please do so as a monthly or one-off donation
You can qualify as a member by volunteering, for example all our trustees and volunteer helpers are part of our clan.
Corporate organisations looking to support SAMS can find information here.
Clan Ocean: cancelling your support
If you no longer wish to be a Clan Ocean member, please email us (see contact tab).
How to joins SAMS
- Fill in our online application form
- When you press 'submit' this will be sent to us and you become a clan supporter
How to pay for your subscription
There are two ways:
- >electronically in our online shop, selecting the appropriate category
- >send a cheque made out to 'SAMS'
If you want to be invoiced instead and pay by BACS, then please contact Alan.
Please note that the supporter year currently still runs from 1 April to 31 March but you can join anytime throughout the year.
How to renew
We automatically renew your subscription unless you tell us otherwise or do not pay following a reminder email or letter. For anyone not paying automatically by standing order, please use one of the above stated payment methods.
How to cancel
Please notify us in writing of your intention to withdraw from the SAMS Clan. We would greatly appreciate some feedback why you no longer want to support us as we do try within our means to provide you with a valuable experience.