News
Fathoms Free launches new ‘Paddle for Plastics’ campaign to clean our oceans
Throw-away plastic is likely to be one of the greatest threats our planet has ever encountered. It is a problem which we have all unintentionally been a part of, with marine debris littered across the globe reaching a critical point. Since conservation group Fathoms Free began in 2014, they have seen how the 300 million tonnes of plastic being produced each year can affect the oceans – but ultimately, the way we view ocean plastics needs to change.
With this idea in mind, their latest campaign, Paddle for Plastics, aims to encourage a more practical solution to our plastic problem by inviting the public to go out onto their kayaks to clean up marine waste. It is based around an ambitious initiative which involves recycling plastic found in clean-ups and turning them into kayaks. The plan is to feed back into a circular economy model and utilise wasted plastic. These kayaks will be the first of its kind, and they will also offer a means in which difficult areas can be accessed and waste can be disposed of.
For over two years, Founder of Fathoms Free, Robert Thompson has been in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy to develop this circular economy business model. The first stage of the initiative is building the infrastructure: ocean plastic collection, recycling, storage facilities, research and their business model. Keep Britain Tidy have helped Fathoms Free to build this infrastructure and with their support, 7 tonnes of beach waste has been recycled over the past year. The plastic that gets collected is sorted and recycled into the raw material for products; Fathoms Free have now successfully produced a body board and are in the final stages of creating a prototype sit-on-top kayak.
The Fathoms Free business model is based on the principle of diverting profits back into funding conservation activities within both Fathoms Free and the community. They have had discussions with various partners, such as National Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust who would like to support the campaign and use the kayaks in their activities.
The project was recently awarded second place at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards ceremony in the category of Tomorrow’s Contribution Towards Sustainability, judged by a panel of leading experts in their fields at Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.
As the threat of plastic becomes increasingly desperate, Fathoms Free have launched the Paddle for Plastics campaign because they need help from everybody to clean our seas.
To find out more about the Fathoms Free Paddle for Plastics campaign, click here.
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
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
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News3 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear Reviews3 weeks agoGEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
Gear Reviews3 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone