Andy Torbet explains how BSAC’ s Marine Champions initiative is well suited to snorkelling members
TORBET ON THE TUBE
“ If not us, then who?”
Andy Torbet explains how BSAC’ s Marine Champions initiative is well suited to snorkelling members
PHOTO: RICH STEVENSON
I
have always enjoyed diving with a purpose. Whether filming, exploring, military or on science and archaeology projects, I find the focus and structure to the dive enjoyable. If some good can come out of the work, then all the better. So, I was very pleased to be asked by BSAC to become an Ambassador for their Marine Champions initiative as Number 50 Marine Champion. Perhaps not as cool as 007, but then I should have got on board earlier.
In recent years my diving has been somewhat polarised, thematically if not geographically. It’ s either trimix rebreathers and a mountain of bail-out bottles, or my snorkel. And although I have had the privilege to witness some incredible nature sights under technical diving conditions, snorkelling remains one of the best ways to see marine wildlife.
As divers, we are privy to the largest part of our world, a place the average person only sees through media. We see the wonders but also the issues, unfiltered and un-edited. This makes these problems more real than if viewed in the abstract, on a screen. So, it’ s no surprise our motivation to protect these environments is so strong. As the legendary Dr Sylvia Earle said“… you can’ t care if you don’ t know”. And, as the humans who spend the most time underwater, then if not us, who?
Our marine wildlife can be protected with the support of snorkellers
Put in the shade by a moon jelly
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PHOTO: DAN BOLT