News
Spermwatch – help fill in the blanks on the lovelife of lugworms

The secret life of Lugworms – ‘citizen scientists’ needed to help shed light on the sex-life of this important coastal species
Love is in the air along the UK’s coastlines this autumn and the Marine Conservation Society is asking the public to keep an eye out for signs of passion in the lugworm population.
The lugworm – Arenicola marina – is a vital source of food for wader birds and fish, and the species plays an important role in fisheries as a source of bait.
But spending their lives burrowed deep in the sediment, opportunities to find the perfect mate is limited. Instead, the males release sperm which collects in ‘puddles’ on the surface of the sand. When the tide comes in, the sperm is washed down into the burrows of the females and fertilises their eggs.
Very specific environmental conditions are needed to trigger the release of the sperm and the egg at the same time and very little is known about the process.
Now scientists are calling on members of the public to join the project as ‘citizen scientists’ and help to fill in the knowledge gaps.
Dubbed ‘Spermwatch’, the project is part of a wider conservation project called Capturing our Coast, a partnership between universities, conservation and research organisations including Newcastle University, Marine Conservation Society and Earthwatch. Capturing our Coast is a three year programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Leonie Richardson, Capturing our Coast Project Officer for the Marine Conservation Society, says “Why not combine a gentle stroll on the beach this autumn with keeping an eye out for lugworm sperm? Each survey submitted provides valuable information to help piece together the puzzle of when these elusive marine worms breed and what environmental factors might trigger them to spawn. If you fancy being involved in some intriguing scientific research, join Spermwatch and help realise the power of citizen science!”
Katrin Bohn, Capturing Our Coast Project Officer, Portsmouth University, Institute of Marine Sciences, said: “Lugworms are fascinating. The entire population at a particular location will appear to reproduce for just a few days every year and only when certain environmental conditions are ideal.
“We want to know what those conditions are and also understand how climate change, for example, will affect that. By going out for a walk on any beach across the UK, members of the public can help us in answering those questions.”
The study starts on October 1 and there are five set periods in which people are asked to collect data. It should take about 45 minutes and is ideal to form part of a beach walk – all you have to do is download an instruction book from http://www.capturingourcoast.co.uk and get recording.
A launch event will take place on Saturday 1st October 2016, 12:00 – 15:00 at Dunraven Bay, Southerndown, in collaboration with the Vale of Glamorgan Council staff at the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Meet on the beach just down the slipway from the lower car park.
News
Get up to £100pp off Red Sea Resorts and Liveaboards with Regaldive

Regaldive welcomes thousands of divers to the Red Sea each year, drawn by its warm climate, stunning scenery, and exceptional marine biodiversity. With over 200 species of hard and soft corals, plus a variety of world-class diving experiences—including dramatic walls, drop-offs, wrecks, and deep blue canyons—the Red Sea remains a premier diving destination.
This February, divers can explore the Red Sea for less, with savings of up to £100 per person on holidays over £1,200 per person and £75 per person on holidays over £750 per person. Simply make a new Red Sea resort or liveaboard booking by 24 February 2025 to take advantage of this special offer.
Discover some of the top Red Sea diving locations and liveaboards below, and when you’re ready to book, use code RSFEB25 at the time of enquiry to claim your discount. For full details and terms and conditions, visit Regaldive’s offer page here.
For more information about Regaldive and the dive getaways they offer, visit www.regal-diving.co.uk.
Gear News
Introducing the RF-40 Fins from DYNAMICNORD

With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.
Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.
The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.
The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.
The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.
The RF-40 fins are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers in six great colours.
Recommended sales price: £127.00
Sizes: M-XL
Colours: Blue, grey, orange, purple, red, yellow
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
-
Gear Reviews4 weeks ago
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 4
-
News3 months ago
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 5
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 3