ENVIRONMENT
Taking it further
Get funded for project diving
Jane Maddocks sets out financing opportunities for projects via the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust , before turning her gaze to ghost nets
I have been lucky enough to have been involved in some really great projects looking at wrecks and drowned land surfaces . Projects can be very expensive – and this is where the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust ( BSAJT ) can make a big difference .
If you have a project in mind where the results could be of benefit to the diving community , then read on .
According to the BSAJT , often divers , individually or in groups , have ideas for extending their activities beyond normal club diving but need funds to get started . Perhaps you want to dive , record and research Second World War wrecks . Maybe investigating marine life in some remote part of the world would be your goal , or surveying mermaid ’ s purses in your local area .
The grant is awarded to one person , and there are conditions attached – but the good news is that you , as project leader , can open your project to all your diving friends qualified to do the dives you are doing , irrespective of the diving organisation they belong to .
To be considered for a grant you need to be properly qualified for the diving you wish to do , and to have a clear idea of what you want to do with the project . Check out the BSAC website .
The Duke of Cambridge meets Rachel Bynoe , leader of a diving project on fossils in the North Sea that won the 2019 Duke of Cambridge Scuba Prize
The project leader can have members from different diving organisations contributing to the project - but if you then want to enter for the Duke of Cambridge Scuba Prize then that is only open to you and the BSAC members of your team . You don ’ t have to be the recipient of a grant award to apply for the Duke of Cambridge Scuba Prize .
If your branch has completed a cracking project , with good scientific / recording credentials , just look at the Duke of Cambridge Scuba Prize entry from the BSAC website . If it feels right , then get applying . The presentation is always at one of the Royal Palaces , and Prince William presents the prize . The application deadline is not moveable - so make sure you have your entry ready to send before the closing date . bsac . com / awards
An approach to ghost nets
Now for a change of topic . Marine litter is in the news , and we are being encouraged to do underwater litter picks and beach cleans . But what about litter on wrecks ? The obvious forms of litter such as drink cans and bags or facemasks are fairly easily dealt with .
I carry a small container for fishhooks , a line cutter and a small mesh bag . I also make sure that my buddy and I take turns - I take out the litter while my buddy acts as ‘ shark guard ’ to make sure I don ’ t get carried away , then it is her turn . I watch out for her safety as she gets stuck in to litter removal .
The challenge comes when some wrecks having large fishing nets draped over them . What do you do when you find one ? These things can be really dangerous ; they are designed to trap living fish , and don ’ t discriminate . They continue to catch fish after they are lost or abandoned .
Removing large nets safely is a skilled business , with particular techniques required . A good response is probably to alert one of the organisations that exist to remove nets . They have the training and the infrastructure , as well as the MMO licenses , to remove the nets safely . It isn ’ t just removing the net that matters . What do you do with a huge load of smelly , wet , and dirty net ? Where do you take it ? Taking it to be recycled is not that easy . Storage and delivery must be thought about , you can ’ t just dump it on the jetty and walk away .
So , check out the following organisations ’ websites to find out how they would like you to report ghost fishing gear : Ghost Fishing UK , Ghost Divers and Sea Shepherd . They are all involved in the removal of abandoned , lost , and discarded fishing gear and should be the first port of call for us as the nets can be removed , and we continue to dive safely . �
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