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Conservationists and primary school students clean up Kilninian beach

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Two leading conservation charities have visited the Isle of Mull as part of a scientific voyage around the Scottish coastline looking at the impact of plastic pollution.

Greenpeace scientists are currently sailing around Scotland on board Beluga II to document how the country’s globally important marine life is being affected by the rising tide of plastic rubbish in our oceans. The voyage will see them investigating impacts on the puffins and gannets of Bass Rock in the east to the basking sharks of Gunna Sound in the Hebrides.

On Monday 22nd May, Beluga II moored off the Isle of Mull and Greenpeace staff met with a Marine Conservation Society (MCS) team to carry out a clean-up and survey the litter on Kilninian beach, together with three primary schools – Ulva, Lochdonhead and Dervaig and a representative from the group City to Sea.

Catherine Gemmell, MCS Scotland Conservation Officer, said “We found over 30kg of rubbish, made up of a mixture of rope, bottles, caps and other plastic items. Today was a fantastic celebration of working together. It was great to see members of staff from Greenpeace and City to Sea being trained up by some true local Beachwatch experts – the pupils from three schools!”

The Greenpeace and MCS teams met with 25 pupils from the Isles Lochdon, Ulva and Dervaig primary schools followed by a presentation at Ulva school by Greenpeace, inviting questions from the pupils about their voyage.

Catherine continues: “Back at Ulva Primary School we discovered how long these items take to disappear in the sea, and how plastic never truly disappears at all! The pupils came up with their own ideas on how to #EndOceanPlastics. Everything from writing to their local MSP to creating their own video was discussed.”

Catherine Gemmell continues: “It was a wonderful team effort, but I’d like to give special mention to an amazingly dedicated Sea Champion volunteer Janie Steele from Oban, who has been busy promoting the Beachwatch project in the area and thanks to her there are now 12 extra beaches now adopted and sending in that all important data to MCS.”

Frank Heweston, Greenpeace Campaigner said “It was fabulous to work with the primary schools during the beach clean today. Greenpeace looks to encourage and support environmental awareness at as young an age as possible. If Ulva, Lochdonhead and Dervaig Primary are anything to go by, there is so much to be hopeful and positive about”.

Mairi Nicolson, Principal Teacher, Ulva Primary said: “The children of Ulva Primary School have a great interest and concern for their local environment and beyond. Living on an island they are seeing the evidence of the plastic problem washing up on their shores. We were delighted to have the pleasure and the privilege of working with members from both Greenpeace and the Marine Conservation Society today, who came to join us on one of our beach cleans. The school was left feeling motivated to continue with our beach cleans and the children were able to think about more things they could be doing at home as individuals to help stop plastic waste reaching the oceans in the first place.”

The Marine Conservation Society runs beach clean and surveys throughout the year, and everyone is welcome to join in. The next Great British Beach Clean will be held over the 15th-18th September, see www.mcsuk.org for details.

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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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