News
HMCS Annapolis finally down and open for divers
CANADA – Seven years since its original purchase, the HMCS Annapolis was finally sunk off the coast of Gambier Island in Halkett Bay Provincial Marine Park last Saturday (4th April).
More than two hundred spectators showed up in charter boats and personal crafts to watch the sinking firsthand, while hundreds more from all around the world tuned in online to witness the sinking.
“I feel like I’ve got 3,000 tonnes of weight off my shoulders,” said Howard Robins, president of the Artificial Reef Society of BC (ARSBC).
“It’s down, it’s over. The project is finished. It’s been delivered to the province and we’re very pleased. It’s a successful project — number eight — and now she’s going to be our living laboratory of study and research.”
The ARSBC has been working to sink the Annapolis in Halkett Bay since its purchase back in 2008. A drop in the value of recycled metal, changes to federal government regulations and environmental concerns over the toxicity of the paint on the Annapolis have all stymied the project along the way.
But the ship is finally at the bottom of the ocean, and according to Robins, the sinking went perfectly.
“It flooded from the bottom up, as we intended,” Robins said. “As that water kept moving upward, spreading out throughout the ship, she went down in a very even and stately manner and landed squarely on her keel. She’s completely upright underwater right now at the prescribed depth.”
Charges were placed inside the hull of the vessel, six on each side of the ship in various locations. Once detonated, water to fill the ship very quickly.
The sunken Annapolis will be used for a few different purposes. Primarily, it will serve as an artificial reef for marine life to make a home in. This marine life will be studied periodically by the ARSBC and documented on a website that is currently in development.
“This ship will provide dark recessed areas and act as a pinnacle, with cave-like settings suitable for rockfish species, notably yellow-eye, tiger and quillback,” Jeff Marliave, vice president of Marine Sciences at the Vancouver Aquarium, said in a press release.
As of Monday, Robins reported that a few of the more curious fish in the area are already beginning to check it out. Over the coming weeks and months, they will start to see more crustaceans and plant life making the Annapolis their home, he added.
Due to its close proximity to Vancouver, the Annapolis can also be used for search and rescue and small submersible training.
It is also expected to be a good tourism draw for recreational divers. This is the eighth ship sunk by the ARSBC, and many of the people who turned out Saturday to watch the sinking were divers excited for another wreck to explore.
Once the Annapolis had sunk, professional divers went down to check that everything had gone according to plan.
“They’re very satisfied that the ship is in great condition,” Robins said. “So at this point, we have declared the wreck open for recreational diving.”
Source: www.coastreporter.net
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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