Any snorkeller can play a role in this new initiative. Although not limited to the shallows, the majority of marine and freshwater pollution tends to accumulate there. Shifting from sea to shore is easier for snorkellers than kit-laden divers. Clearing and taking care of the land near the water can have a positive impact on marine creatures, especially those that migrate, daily or annually, from sea to land and back.
It needn’ t be restricted to the sea, or the sole preserve of those clubs with coastal access. Bradford SAC’ s Marine Champion made the astute point that marine conservation should not be entirely maritime focused. Fresh water is important in and of itself, but also feeds into our oceans. A great deal of marine pollution and problems originate upstream.
To date, BSAC has 65 clubs involved, and that number is growing steadily. Already, clubs have cleared invasive and destructive weeds from areas in Wales, in addition to the removal of bags of rubbish from open water sites. We even have a branch in Gibraltar whose efforts to clean up the area in a local bay have resulted in the return of breeding seahorses. This represents a tangible success, born from nothing more complicated than the
Protecting freshwater habitats is just as important as the marine environment
PHOTO: DAN BOLT
Exeter SAC on an underwater litterpick continued commitment to clean-up.
In 2026, BSAC is planning three big Marine Champion Action Weekends: Operation Oyster, The Great Seagrass Survey and a grand topside and underwater litter-pick. Dates are still being finalised as we go to press but do check on the BSAC website, look out for information in this magazine or ask your club’ s Marine Champion. If your club doesn’ t have one, then maybe you’ re the one for the job.
“ The Marine Champions project couldn’ t have got off to a better start. We’ ve had a steady stream of applications from enthusiastic and action-oriented members wanting to take up the Marine Champion mantle for their club. I am excited for what this initiative and our Marine Champions will achieve!” Katherine Knight, Chair, BSAC Environment Committee.
For more information, go to bsac. com / marinechampions �
Cayman Islands Divers clearing the foreshore of refuse
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac. com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club? Find out more at bsac. com / snorkellinginstructor
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