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New Report Says Welsh Government Must Show Greater Leadership To Protect Seas

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A National Assembly Committee has stressed the need for the Welsh Government to give “urgent” attention to Marine Protected Areas in Wales. A new report published this week by the National Assembly’s Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee has been welcomed by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) who call on Welsh Government to seriously up its game on Marine Protected Area management in Wales.

Welsh coasts and seas are home to several iconic species such as the harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic puffin. Although 69% of Welsh inshore waters have been designated as protected areas, their management to date has not been sufficient to protect all the various species and habitats that they are intended to protect.

The report recommends that the Welsh Government must provide better leadership to ensure that all management authorities, including the Welsh Government, are actively engaged in managing Marine Protected Areas. The report also found that public bodies are underfunded and struggle to fulfil their responsibilities.

MCS provided both written and verbal evidence to help inform the Committee’s initial inquiry.

Gill Bell, Head of Conservation Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, says:

“We are pleased that the report addresses the need for direction and leadership from the Welsh Government to better manage MPAs in Wales. We have been calling for greater accountability and responsibility from the Welsh Government for many years. We also welcome a recommendation for the Welsh Government to develop a dedicated Marine Protected Area Strategy to drive marine conservation in Wales”.

Gill Bell continues: “As the report highlights, protected areas cannot be managed effectively without resources, including funding and staffing. This can only be addressed if marine conservation is prioritised and better integrated into the Cabinet Secretary’s portfolio. If not, we risk our special areas of sea becoming mere paper parks, losing wildlife and the vast benefit that our seas deliver for people in Wales.”

Find out more about the work of the Marine Conservation Society at www.mcsuk.org.

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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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