Connect with us
background

News

The UK’s seas make us feel anything but blue

Published

on

Time spent by the coast brings health and happiness, research finds

  • Three quarters (75%) of those surveyed feel better knowing the coast and sea is thriving
  • 69% of people who visited the coast in the last year feel the benefit even when far from it
  • 77% of people who visited the sea in the last year felt happier

Research from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) in early 2019 explored our enduring connections to the UK’s blue spaces and looked to uncover why it is we look to the sea for solace. The findings of the research are even more relevant in the current climate, where lockdown has provided many of us with an increased appreciation of the natural world.

The charity’s research found that 77% of people who had visited the sea in the past year felt happier and 81% felt healthier when they were by the coast and sea. Freedom, escape, inspiration and spirituality were just some of the feelings people cited experiencing when spending time by the coast and sea, so it’s no wonder that we’re yearning for the coast during lockdown when our happiness and sense of wellbeing is tied to freedom and escape!

The benefits of being by the coast are not just reserved for being beside the seaside. MCS research found that 69% of people who had visited the coast and sea in the last 12 months said they felt the benefit of that time even when far from it. As such, MCS has been bringing the #OceanIndoors throughout lockdown to bring the wellbeing benefits of the coast to people across the UK, no matter how near or far from the sea they may be.

Cheeringly, three quarters (75%) of those surveyed said they feel better just knowing that the coast and sea and all life living within and beside it is thriving, showing the intrinsic link between the health of the environment and our own sense of happiness and calm. MCS is encouraging people to make ocean-friendly choices and get involved with small acts of kindness to our coast, not only for your own personal feel good factor, but for the future health of our seas too.

Sue Ranger, MCS Engagement & Education Manager said: “Our own mental and physical wellbeing is so closely tied to the natural world; our research shows just how much of an effect the natural world can have on our sense of health, happiness and calm. Clearing your local area of litter, cutting back on single-use plastics, and getting involved in some armchair activism are all fantastic ways to safeguard the ocean and feel good yourself.”

To find out more about the Marine Conservation Society’s #OceanIndoors project, please visit the charity’s website here.

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

Blogs

Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

Published

on

idc

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.

Continue Reading

Blogs

SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

Published

on

somabay

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.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

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

Instagram Feed

Popular