Encounter with a John Dory computer programme . Swimming from the anchor line , each buddy pair cuts seagrass samples from within their quadrat ; cuts were made above the seabed to prevent damaging the roots . This was repeated for each sample bag , resulting in 25 samples per site .
All diving was around 4 to 5 metres depth , and with the excellent visibility and bright sunny weather this definitely did not feel like any UK diving that I have experienced . On one survey site the depth was just 1 metre deep ; onlookers would have been amused as the diver was held underwater by their buddy in order to collect samples .
At the end of each survey day , assessments were made of the day ’ s haul in the garden of our B & B , The Bylet ; Lisa , the owner is very understanding . The longest leaf on each plant was measured and every leaf on each plant assessed for the level of leaf infection ( wasting disease , Labyrinthula zosterae ) and epiphyte ( algae and invertebrate species ) coverage .
Scores range from uninfected , minimal infection , up to 1 / 4 , up to 1 / 2 , over 1 / 2 and
over 3 / 4 leaf infected , with similar scoring used for epiphyte coverage . This process is repeated for all plants within a given survey quadrat . A celebratory G & T and post dive nibbles definitely made the process more pleasurable . The results of the survey are the basis of a report commissioned by Natural England .
What can the diving and boating community do to help prevent damage to seagrass ? If mooring up over seagrass meadows please do take the effort to anchor over a sandy patch , as the scouring effect on the seabed of a moving anchor chain will destroy further areas of seagrass . From this experience I would certainly take more interest in seagrass meadows .
Fun diving
Although the primary goal of the trip was completing the survey ( front-loaded in case of poor weather , there was also the
Travel to The Isles of Scilly
Although aircraft and helicopters offer a daily service to the Isles of Scilly , our group was booked on the Scillonian III , the daily boat transfer from Penzance . This was the obvious and necessary choice as we had to take all dive kit , including tanks and weights plus a RIB to ensure full dive independence . Dive kit and personal baggage was loaded into containers and along with the RIB ( trailer and all ) everything was craned into the hold of Scillonian for the 2 hour 45 minute crossing to the port on St Mary ’ s . Local operator Island Carriers deliver all baggage to your accommodation and overall the travel at both ends of the trip was relatively effortless .
Seagrass meadow at Tresco
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