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 .”
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
16