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After the Storm

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Jeff 2My wife Kate and I joined the crowds at Sennen in Cornwall during storm Imogen to watch the great seas march into the cliffs and small harbour. It was very exciting and the atmosphere was filled with an energy that only uncontrollable nature can provide. Then twenty four hours later it had gone and the seas had returned to the normal winter state.

We walked the beach to look at the aftermath which all said and done wasn’t too bad. There were a few feet of railing and granite blocks torn away from the steps to the beach and huge boulders had been thrown around which sooner or later would have to be moved. All fixable.

Jeff 3The sand had been drastically shifted again as it has been all winter, but I suspect if nature does the same as previous years, all the sand will return by mid summer.

Along the beach small piles of fish netting caught my eye and entangled in one of them was a dead Gannet. Very sad to see, but it wasn’t clear how it had died. It may have been caught up in the net while at sea and drowned, or it may well have died some other way and got washed in with the net.

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Jeff 5Then I began to see all the plastic washed up and deposited between the rocks and caught in the shallow tide pools. Bags, bottles, plastic rope, and a host of undetermined synthetic detritus. But there was worse to come and yet not so obvious. Piles of small bits lined what was the high water mark. I always look closely at this stuff to see what little creatures have been stranded in what should be broken and mashed up sea weed. But it wasn’t organic, hardly at all. In fact I guess that around 90% was tiny bits of broken up plastic. This mini plastic waste is now well and truly ensconced into the marine food chain and has become a substantial part of the marine animals lives. Birds, fish, seals, whales, dolphins, all of them. These mini plastic pieces are eaten, clog the intestines and give no Jeff 6nutrition at all. Ultimately the animals starve to death or become so weak that they fall prey to disease or are unable to survive harsh conditions such as the storm we just had. Maybe that is how the Gannet died.

Soon, perhaps even on the next high tide, all the plastic and possibly the dead Gannet will be taken back out to sea and so out of mind. But for those animals who live in and on the sea, the plastic won’t disappear so easily.

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Jeff 9While walking back and as I contemplated the waves of plastic still out there, Kate picked up a few bags and a bottle to put in the bin in the car park. It wasn’t much really, but imagine if everybody did the same. Walking along the beach and picking up a few bits of plastic to put away safely. Try it next time you are down by the sea.

If you would like to know more about plastic in our sea visit www.plasticoceans.net.

Jeff is a multiple award winning, freelance TV cameraman/film maker and author. Having made both terrestrial and marine films, it is the world's oceans and their conservation that hold his passion with over 10.000 dives in his career. Having filmed for international television companies around the world and author of two books on underwater filming, Jeff is Author/Programme Specialist for the 'Underwater Action Camera' course for the RAID training agency. Jeff has experienced the rapid advances in technology for diving as well as camera equipment and has also experienced much of our planet’s marine life, witnessing, first hand, many of the changes that have occurred to the wildlife and environment during that time. Jeff runs bespoke underwater video and editing workshops for the complete beginner up to the budding professional.

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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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