SCUBA July 2021 Issue 116 | Page 16

SCUBAHUB

Operation Oyster opens up

BSAC ’ S NEWLY LAUNCHED ENVIRONMENT PROJECT , OPERATION Oyster , has welcomed three key partners on board – The Zoological Society London ( ZSL ), University of Portsmouth and Blue Marine Foundation ( BLUE ).
The partnership means that data gathered through Operation Oyster will now directly support vital work already underway to restore and protect the UK ’ s endangered native oysters .
Operation Oyster aims to engage BSAC members , divers and snorkellers in helping to rehabilitate the UK ’ s vulnerable native oyster habitat . The initiative will incorporate a nationwide citizen science project – to be launched this summer – through which divers can directly contribute by recording sighting of existing native oysters whilst diving , enabling the wildlife charities to get a clear picture of existing native oyster populations around the British Isles .
The UK ’ s native oyster ( Ostrea edulis ) is under ever-increasing environmental stress . The population has declined by an alarming 95 % over the past 200 years due to historical overfishing , disease , pollution and habitat loss . Once abundant , the loss of our native oysters also has consequences for the wider environment and climate change , with oyster reefs playing an essential role in filtering seawater and boosting biodiversity .
By working directly with its new partners , Operation Oyster will now be able to contribute to the current understanding of existing oyster numbers and ultimately help in the long-term restoration of their habitat and population levels .
BSAC ’ s Expedition Advisor Andy Hunt , who set up Operation Oyster after being inspired by ZSL ’ s native oyster photography competition in 2020 , said he was delighted that the BSAC project now had the full backing of its new partners .
“ Operation Oyster is one of the largest environmental projects ever launched by BSAC and will positively showcase that diving with a purpose can have longterm benefits ,” said Andy .
“ And by working with ZSL , the University of Portsmouth and BLUE , we now have the perfect opportunity to ensure that the data gathered by our divers will feed into real-time research to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of our native oyster species .”
For more information on Operation Oyster go to bsac . com / operationoyster

Benefit of the Month

Making the most of the BSAC community

AS WE START TO SEE THE EASING OF COVID restrictions , the BSAC club community is finally getting back to what it does best . And now more than ever , this extensive network of BSAC clubs is proving to be a key benefit to all its members .
With 2021 billed as the ‘ year of the staycation ’, the UK coastline is set to be a major draw as we look to temperate rather than blue water for our summer scuba diving fix . And with clubs all around the UK , there ’ s no shortage of local dive site guidance and advice .
As a member of BSAC , you are part of a UK – and worldwide – community of divers and diving clubs . Here ’ s just a few ways you can tap into this fantastic resource :
■ Planning a dive trip – many of our clubs are lucky enough to be based near one of the UK ’ s main diving destinations . So , if you are planning a dive trip this summer , why not drop one of the local BSAC clubs a line or give them a call to get the ‘ inside knowledge ’ on the sites to dive , where to stay , get your fills and even the best places to eat out .
■ Get social – if you are planning a dive trip , consider hooking up with a local BSAC club simply to say hello , socialise and get to know them . Some clubs may also offer you access to their club resources , including use of their compressor and a drink in their bar !
■ Go diving – did you know as a BSAC member , you can go diving with another BSAC club ?
Some clubs will make any spare spaces on their club trips available to other members , or you may be able to join them on day trips to a local dive centre . And joint club trips are a great way to make new friends in the BSAC scuba community . For a full list of BSAC clubs around the UK , check out our online Find a Club tool bsac . com / findaclub From insurance , training , kit and holiday discounts to diving guidance and advice , read more about your full BSAC member benefits at bsac . com / benefits
About our Operation Oyster partners :
Blue Marine Foundation ( BLUE ) is a London-based charity dedicated to restoring the ocean by addressing overfishing , securing marine protected areas and restoring marine habitats . www . bluemarinefoundation . com
Zoological Society London ( ZSL ) is an international conservation charity that works through its scientific projects and field conservation . www . zsl . org
University of Portsmouth ( Institute of Marine Sciences ) is a co-founder of the Native Oyster Network with ZSL , which included last year ’ s Native Oyster Photography Competition . www . port . ac . uk
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