News

The Seahorse Trust calls for better protection for seahorses in Dorset

Published

5 years ago

April 13, 2016

Fresh calls have been made for “environmentally friendly moorings” to be used off the Dorset coast in the UK in a bid to increase seahorse population.

The appeal by the Seahorse Trust comes after about 50 short-snouted seahorses were discovered recently off Bournemouth, which it described as “absolutely incredible”. Last year there were only 20 sighted off Dorset in total and recently there have been several years without a single sighting. Many thought this important UK seahorse population was doomed.

Neil Garrick-Maidment, director of the Seahorse Trust, said the recent find by a local fisherman had been particularly “fascinating” because many of the short-snouted seahorses were “sub-adults” or juveniles which suggested they had survived the winter and were about six months old.

In a bid to protect short-snouted and also spiny seahorses, which are found in the seagrass beds of Studland Bay, he said moorings which “stop dragging on the sea bed, stop destroying seagrass but still allow boats to tie out” needed to be used.

Environmental or eco-friendly boat moorings often use bungee-type rope instead of chains, to reduce the damage to seagrass caused by the chains being pulled back and forth over this fragile ecosystem. Trial moorings at Studland Bay were put on hold in 2013, and the move has some opposition amongst the sailing community.

Neil, from The Seahorse Trust, added authorities needed to do more to protect both short snouted and spiny species which were protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in 2008.

www.theseahorsetrust.org

Photos: The Seahorse Trust

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Gear News

Introducing the Mares Magnetic Connector BCD Accessory

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2021

Team Scubaverse

The innovative magnetic securing system by Mares is the ultimate way to connect your diving accessories and equipment. Gone are the days of dangling hoses and lost dive lights. The Magnetic Connector is a versatile and unique system that includes many uses such as an octopus and console holder, torch/dive light hook, camera attachment, and much more!

The Magnetic Connector’s simple yet effective design allows you to quickly find the connection site,
especially when the connection point is not easily visible. The audible “click” of the attachment
also lends assurance that everything is securely connected. The advanced engineering of the
mechanical closure system locks the fastened item in place safely and reliably. It can hold over
60kg (132 lbs.) of equipment.

The Magnetic Connector’s compact design not only keeps your diving accessories secure but as
streamlined as possible. In fact, the Magnetic Connector is even shorter than a double-ended
carabiner and just as easy to install. By simply unscrewing the connector’s head, the threaded pin
can easily connect to all BCD D-rings.

Another valuable benefit is its 360-degree free rotation, which allows for the perfect placement of
your equipment and accessories. The free-swiveling ball head also allows the connector to tilt in
every direction for maximum comfort. The Magnetic Connector is currently available in two color
options, black and yellow.

Although it is rugged and extremely secure, Mares still made it easy to use by allowing divers to connect and disconnect their equipment to it, not just single-handedly, but with the use of only two fingers! The Magnetic Connector is simple, quick, and safe. It unlocks quickly even under a full load and is the smartest alternative to a carabiner.

Features:

SIMPLE AND SECURE
FAST AND EASY MAGNETIC CONNECTION
SINGLE-HANDED USE
360° FREE-SWIVELLING
SAFE UNLOCKING, EVEN WITH A FULL LOAD
DESIGNED TO ATTACH TO ALL BCD D-RINGS
HIGH-QUALITY, STURDY MATERIALS

For more information visit the Mares website by clicking here.

Gear News

Hammond Drysuits launch CoreTek Base

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2021

Team Scubaverse

For those times when you need to layer up, or for warmer days when you need something lighter just to take the cool edge off the air temperature, the next must have item for your kit bag is the CoreTek Base from Hammond Drysuits.

The CoreTek Base has been designed to be worn next to the skin. It is the perfect extra layer for those cooler days, and the ideal layer on its own for the warmer ones.

CoreTek Base features:

100% Polyester for easy care
Snug fit for superior warmth
Brushed fabric for maximum comfort
Longer length to remain tucked in to keep warm

“Our three-piece undersuits, CoreTek and CoreTek X, have been well received by customers since their launch in 2018,” comments Chris Hammond Managing Director for Hammond Drysuits. “Customer feedback has resulted in us reviewing the layers in order to extend the temperature range they are
effective in. As our clients sail and scuba dive around the world, water and air temperatures vary, and this is the layer we have been missing from our product range.”

Sizing: Unisex Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XXL
Available: Now
Price: £14.95

For more information visit the Hammond Drysuits website by clicking here.

RED SEA LIVEABOARD : Wall to Wall : May 2021

Expires on:

Explore the amazing triangle of Red Sea Reefs - The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone on board the brand new liveaboard Big Blue. With an option to add on a week at Roots Red Sea before or after.

Strong currents and deep blue water are the catalysts that bring the pelagic species flocking to these reefs. The reefs themselves provide exquisite homes for a multitude of marine life. The wafting soft corals are adorned with thousands of colourful fish. The gorgonian fans and hard corals provide magnificent back drops, all being patrolled by the reef’s predatory species.

£1475 per person based on double occupancy. Soft all inclusive board basis, buffet meals with snacks, tea and coffee always available. Add a week on at Roots Red Sea Resort before or after the liveaboard for just £725pp. Flights and transfers are included. See our brochure linked above for the full itinerary.

This trip will be hosted by The Scuba Place. Come Dive with Us!

Call 020 3515 9955 or email john@thescubaplace.co.uk

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

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ITINERARY