Marine Life & Conservation
Pro Dive Cairns Launches Conservation Program
![](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PDC-Main.jpg)
Two young divers from Denmark and Australia have kicked off a new Marine Conservation Program initiative led by Pro Dive Cairns in cooperation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and No Limit Adventures.
Sally Turner from Melbourne and Asmu Hansen from Denmark had the honour of being the program’s first participants. Based on GBRMPA’s established Rapid Monitoring Program, the new consumer participation Marine Conservation Program will assist GBRMPA’s work with identifying early warning signs of environmental issues and monitoring the overall health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Pro Dive Cairns General Manager, Paul Lim said, “By offering this program, we are not only satisfying the growing interest in conservation based experiences, but enabling participants to contribute in an enjoyable and meaningful way to a recognised program, as well as increasing diving experience and skills. Ultimately we want our participants to come away with a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and of the work being conducted to ensure the reef’s sustainability for years to come.”
For Sally and Asmu, the course was a meaningful way to reinforce marine biology studies and the desire to contribute to conservation.
Under the guidance of Pro Dive Cairns’ trained course guide, Lucy Mustoe, both Sally and Asmu completed a total of eight research dives of the set 11 certified dives during their 3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard Dive trip. On each dive participants were able to observe iconic reef species and using survey charts, record and monitor the overall health of the reef. A portion of the time was spent counting specific marine species as well as looking for an area that seemed a typical representation for that particular site. Once selected, this area was then mapped and closely inspected to record the general condition and health of the coral and seabed. After each dive, these findings were discussed and recorded on forms which were later submitted to the reef park managers at GBRMPA.
The Marine Conservation Program also includes several information workshops with the use of information guidebooks, presentations throughout the trip as well as referring to several modules on how to recognise fish and coral health. Upon the completion of the program each participant was presented with a certificate.
For further information on Pro Dive Cairns and the conservation projects they run email info@prodivecairns.com or visit www.prodivecairns.com.
Blogs
Invitation from The Ocean Cleanup for San Francisco port call
![the ocean cleanup](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TheOceanCleanup-Interceptor-019-Bangkok-Thailand-3-scaled-1.jpg)
6 years ago, The Ocean Cleanup set sail for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with one goal: to develop the technology to be able to relegate the patch to the history books. On 6 September 2024, The Ocean Cleanup fleet returns to San Francisco bringing with it System 03 to announce the next phase of the cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and to offer you a chance to view our cleanup system up-close and personal.
We look forward to seeing you there.
To confirm your presence, please RSVP to press@theoceancleanup.com
PROGRAM
Join The Ocean Cleanup as our two iconic ships and the extraction System 03 return to San Francisco, 6 years and over 100 extractions after we set sail, to create and validate the technology needed to rid the oceans of plastic.
Our founder and CEO, Boyan Slat, will announce the next steps for the cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Giving you a chance to view our cleanup system and the plastic extracted.
Hear important news on what’s next in the mission of The Ocean Cleanup as it seeks to make its mission of ridding the world’s oceans of plastic an achievable and realistic goal.
Interviews and vessel tours are available on request.
PRACTICALITIES
Date: September 6, 2024
Press conference: 12 pm (noon)
Location: The Exploratorium (Google Maps)
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA
Parking: Visit The Exploratorium’s website for details.
RSVP: press@theoceancleanup.com
Video & photo material from several viewing spots around the bay
We look forward to seeing you there!
ABOUT THE OCEAN CLEANUP
The Ocean Cleanup is an international non-profit that develops and scales technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. They aim to achieve this goal through a dual strategy: intercepting in rivers to stop the flow and cleaning up what has already accumulated in the ocean. For the latter, The Ocean Cleanup develops and deploys large-scale systems to efficiently concentrate the plastic for periodic removal. This plastic is tracked and traced to certify claims of origin when recycling it into new products. To curb the tide via rivers, The Ocean Cleanup has developed Interceptor™ Solutions to halt and extract riverine plastic before it reaches the ocean. As of June 2024, the non-profit has collected over 12 million kilograms (26.4 million pounds) of plastic from aquatic ecosystems around the world. Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup now employs a broadly multi-disciplined team of approximately 140. The foundation is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and opened its first regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023.
Find out more about The Ocean Cleanup at www.theoceancleanup.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
SHARK MONTH ARRIVES AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD, PLYMOUTH
![](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHARK_-14.jpg)
A shark has been spotted approaching Royal William Yard in Plymouth, much to the surprise of swimmers, paddleboarders and onlookers.
With its distinctive dorsal fin cutting through the water, the sizeable shark swam along the coastline, before turning to head inland towards Firestone Arch at Royal William Yard. The appearance drew a crowd, who were captivated for more than an hour by the unusual sight – and it was all caught on video.
The shark is one of many expected sightings at Royal William Yard over the coming weeks… because today marks the start of Shark Month!
In reality, the ‘shark’ spotted along the Plymouth shoreline was actually a custom-made model, created by the team at Royal William Yard and sailed underwater by Caroline Robertson‑Brown from the Shark Trust, who donned scuba diving gear for the occasion.
The stunt took place to launch Shark Month in style and draw attention to the work of the leading international conservation charity, which is based in Britain’s Ocean City. Spectators were reassured that the water was safe and many entered into the spirit of the performance, swimming or sailing alongside the shark.
Shark Month will take place across Royal William Yard throughout July and will feature an extravaganza of art, entertainment and advocacy for everyone to enjoy. The packed programme of events starts with an art exhibition and ends with a trip on paddleboards with shark experts – with everything from a shark quiz to a Jaws screening in between.
Paul Cox, CEO of the Shark Trust, said: “There are often assumptions and misconceptions when it comes to sharks. This was certainly the case with the shark spotted at Royal William Yard! While the British coastline is home to many species of shark, this was not one of them. However, we’re thrilled it caught people’s attention, because seeing a shark is a special and memorable moment. That is precisely why we want to celebrate these incredible creatures, highlight the need for conservation, and ask for help to safeguard their future.”
For more information about Shark Month at Royal William Yard, visit the Shark Trust Website.
Images and video: Jay Stone
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