Marine Life & Conservation
Join the Marine Conservation Society for the Great British Beach Clean
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants to tackle the tide of litter washing up on UK shores, and the charity says they cannot do it without public support. They urgently need volunteers to take part in the UK’s biggest beach clean and litter survey, which takes place on the third weekend in September. This year, the charity has the additional support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help make the event a bigger success.
In 2014, nearly 5,349 volunteers cleaned 301 beaches. For every kilometre surveyed, a record 2,457 pieces of litter were found.
MCS Beachwatch Officer Charlotte Coombes says it’s crucial we do something to tackle rising litter levels: “Over the last decade, we’ve recorded a huge hike in the amount of litter found on our beaches – up by over 20%. We need help – and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”
This year’s MCS Great British Beach Clean takes place on the 18th, 19th 20th, and 21st of September, and will involve thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all and around the UK coast. They’ll clean up and record the rubbish they find.
Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said, “It’s really important for everyone to learn about the dangers of marine litter and I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting the Marine Conservation Society who are tackling this important cause. I would urge anyone who has the time to spare to take part in this beach clean.”
Some of our best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in our seas. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife accidentally eat, or become tangled up in litter – and it’s also hazardous to people.
Find out more at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch or telephone 01989 566017.
Discuss this article in the Scubaverse Forum.
The Shark Trust has launched their new podcast. Delve behind the scenes and gain exclusive insights in the world of shark and ray conservation on The Shark Trust Podcast. Out Now!
Join the Shark Trust on this journey as they explore the diverse world of sharks. Hear from experts from different backgrounds and learn how you can become a part of the global effort to protect these vital species.
Whether you’re a seasoned shark expert or just dipping your toes beneath the surface, this podcast offers something for everyone!
In the first series you will hear from the Shark Trust team. Shark Trust Patrons, Monty Halls, Miranda Krestovnikoff and Simon Rogerson. Divers with a passion for sharks. And some of the Oceanic 31 artists.
New episodes released every two weeks on all major podcast platforms and watch full video versions on the Shark Trust YouTube Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for the bonus minisodes!
There are two available to dive into right now!
Episode 1: Dive beneath the waves of shark and ray conservation with Mark as he speaks with Paul Cox, CEO of the Shark Trust. Paul and Mark discuss the threats and difficulties that sharks and rays currently face in the modern world. And how the Shark Trust is working to create a better future for them!
Bonus Minisode: Join Mark at Go Diving, the UK’s biggest dive show. He interviews Shark Trust Patron, Simon Rogerson, about his diving experiences and how seeing sharks can transform your life!
For more information about the work of the Shark Trust, visit their website here.
Marine Life & Conservation
Experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by few nights with Sharks next month at some really great rates with Seas4Life (Watch Video)
An Exclusive, Expert Led, One-Off experience…
For just a few short weeks each year – end of May through to end of June – the mighty Sardine Run showcases the epic efforts of supreme marine predators working in unison to feed off the migrating sardines in a most dynamic flurry of action. End of June early July is also when the shark season begins – just imagine it is a David Attenbourgh Blue Planet experience.
In case this natural wonder wasn’t exciting enough – majestic humpback whales just happen to start their annual migration back up north adding to this phenomenal experience.
Its a must for the adventurous soul.. Lots of love, laughter, and smiles.
This is a feeding event of unmatched proportions. Thousands of common dolphin charge after the shoals, separating them into bait balls, with their ‘dolphin bubble technique’, bring them to the surface. Watched from the air by the cape gannets, who then launch a massive aerial assault on the sardines. They are also easy pickings for shivers of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks, seals and lastly the huge mouths of Brydes (Brooders) whale that can consume an entire bait ball in one single lunge!
Seas4Life is offering an incredible deal for this year’s Sardine Run. Here are the details:
Date: June 23rd – July 2nd 2024
Type: Family, group, couples, solo travellers. Min of 4 pax – max 8 pax
Location: South Africa
Nights: 9 nights/10 days
Rates originally started at USD$9,705 per person 9 Nights PP, based on 5 pax on the trip. However, you can now experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by some seriously unforgettable shark action for just USD$7,100 per person.
Includes:
- 5 night stay at Gulu Game Reserve (23rd – 28th June)
- 4 night stay at Africa Oceans Manor (28th June– 2nd July)
- 9 nights fully catered stay with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Welcome drinks and selected alcohol (local beers, wines and spirits)
- 4 Sardine Run Days and 3 full Shark Research Days – 1 morning being with Great White
sharks - Guiding by expert marine conservationists, shark specialists and ocean enthusiasts
- Transfers to and from the airports and to and from the launch base and hotels; and on 28th June from Gulu Game Reserve to African Oceans Manor along the Southern African Coastline and parts of the Garden Route
- Privately chartered 26 foot (8m) semi-rigid dive boat (South African Maritime Safety Authority, licensed to travel up to 40 Nautical miles offshore) with two 140hp motors
- Snorkelling and scuba diving gear
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Use of Gulu Private Resort and African Oceans Manor facilities including rejuvenating in their spa, use of the pool, playing tennis, hiking or fishing… (these will be charged separately if used)
- Marine conservation contribution to the shark research unit
- Offsetting your carbon through Planet Moja
- AMREF
- Lead shark scientist Nico, sardine run expertise of ScubaXursions
- Julie as lead guide
- Lots of smiles, laughter and many memories made
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visas and taxes (airport, government and tourist)
- Scuba diving, free diving and underwater photography courses
- Alcoholic drinks (unless stated) champagne, luxury spirits and selected wines
- Activities not outlined above
- All photographic gear
- DAN Insurance, Scuba and/or photographic gear insurance
- All additional park and/or conservancy fees if applicable
- Travel and health insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
For more information or to book, contact Seas4Life now:
info@seas4life.com / +254 723 639 640 / seas4life.com
-
Blogs1 month agoDive Indonesia Part 3: Dive into Lembeh Trip Report
-
Gear Reviews1 month agoGEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
-
News3 months agoPADI Teams Up with Wellness Brand Neuro to Drive Ocean Change and Create a Blue State of Mind
-
Blogs3 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoSeagrass Awareness Month brings critical food source for Manatees to centre stage
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
Blogs2 months agoSOMABAY: Scubaverse interviews Wolfgang Clausen, General Manager, ORCA Dive Clubs
-
News3 months agoDIVE SHOW SPECIAL: Save up to 40% off your next liveaboard with Oyster Diving Holidays