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New UK Blue Shark Project Needs Your Help

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Help is urgently needed to support a ground-breaking research project to study the incredible Blue Shark off the South West coast of Cornwall.

Blue sharks are one of the most incredible and charismatic species of shark in the ocean. Blue Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of entire marine ecosystems. Who knew that these awesome creatures roamed the oceans in the UK, just off the South Coast of Cornwall?

Although they are highly migratory species, a gathering of numerous individuals has been registered in the summer period in the waters around Cornwall, due to the high productivity of the area.

These amazing creatures need urgent help and face many challenges in the wild, ranging from overfishing and pollution from plastics. Team Blue Shark 2017 will be looking to raise money to support a ground-breaking research project to help protect these incredible sharks for future generations to come.

The Project

Even though various scientific studies reported information about genetics, migratory patterns and bioaccumulation of contaminants in blue sharks, all of them relied on animals collected by fishery vessels, in most cases because they represent one of the main by-catch species.

This project aims to overcome this issue, providing a starting point for a multi-year research programme intended to set up a photo-identification database and to study genetics of populations and bioaccumulation of the most common pollutants and their biological effects on living sharks. Over the summer of 2017, a small sample of skin (the size of half a pinkie) will be taken from sharks swimming in the ocean. The samples will be then appropriately divided and dispatched to different research groups (South Devon College, University of Ancona and University of Salford) to carry out the relative analyses. The expected results will be fundamental to increase knowledge on this “near threatened” species and to feed into assessments for better species protection. With your help, Team Blue Shark can help preserve this species so important for the marine ecosystem for future generations to come.

Team Blue Shark are trying to raise funds to get the project off the ground. As is the norm with these things, there are various perks available to those who contribute. If you would like to make a pledge you can do so at Team Blue Shark’s Crowdfunder page here.

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Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide

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Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.

An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.

The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.

Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya

Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.

DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort

Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details

For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087

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Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year

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Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.

Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”

Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.

Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”

To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.

Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.

MORE INFORMATION

Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com

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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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