SCUBAHUB
Operation Oyster opens up !
WITH THE NEW DIVING SEASON ALMOST upon us , BSAC is calling for divers and snorkellers to get involved in one of its most significant environmental projects – BSAC Operation Oyster .
Launched last year , Operation Oyster aims to document and help restore the natural habitat beds of the UK ’ s native oyster , which has seen its population decline by over 95 % over the past 200 years . As part of this long-term ‘ diving with a purpose ’ BSAC initiative , 2022 will now focus on collecting the essential data required to help secure the long-term future for this rare species .
Working in partnership with the Zoological Society London ( ZSL ), University of Portsmouth , Blue Marine Foundation and Seawilding , BSAC Operation Oyster is one of the organisation ’ s largest marine environment initiatives to date .
With habitats all around the UK , Operation Oyster is a great way for divers and snorkellers to help document sightings of our native flat oyster . Data collected such as photos or location details will enable researchers to build up a more accurate picture of the oysters ’ current predicament and help restore the species into the UK marine environment .
Project Lead and BSAC Expedition Advisor Andy Hunt , together with leading native flat oyster expert Dr Luke Helmer from the Blue Marine Foundation , have created a new video on Operation Oyster . Featuring footage from an Operation Oyster dive off the Isle of Wight , Andy said he hoped the short film would galvanise divers and snorkellers to get involved .
“ The decline in our oyster populations also has consequences for the wider environment and climate change , with oyster habitats playing an essential role in filtering seawater and boosting biodiversity .
“ But by recording locations of native oysters – dead or alive – when you are out diving , snorkelling , paddling , or walking along the shore can directly help inform where we can restore this vital species into the environment .”
You can watch the new Operation Oyster video at bsac . com / operationoysterupdate
Get involved
Clubs , divers and snorkellers can choose to organise their own Operation Oyster dives or simply incorporate oyster habitat searches into every dive , then report any findings to the project team . Findings can be reported at any time as the project is ongoing throughout the year .
All data gathered by divers , snorkellers and BSAC clubs will directly feed into research and a greater understanding as well as protection for this vulnerable but vital species .
For more information on how to report your sightings to Operation Oyster go to bsac . com / operationoyster where you can also use the online recording form .
Join an Operation Oyster Exped
The Operation Oyster team is organising three expeditions open to BSAC members who are Dive Leader or above . One of the objectives of these diving expeditions is to seek out and discover evidence of historic oyster populations in key sites in Scotland .
The locations and dates for the expeditions in conjunction with Halton Charters are :
■ 18 – 22 April 2022 Sound of Mull
■ 25 – 29 April 2022 Sound of Mull
■ 27 Aug – 3 Sept 2022 Cape Wrath
For more information and to reserve your place on these exciting ‘ diving with a purpose ’ BSAC expeditions go to bsac . com / events ( search by date to find the relevant expedition details ).
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