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Basket sharks and squid games
ARTIST, LECTURER AND AUTHOR, Duncan Cameron is one of the most relentlessly creative people on the UK diving scene. Last year, he came up with a unique concept to highlight the world of sharks and marine conservation – a six-metre basking shark made using sustainable materials including salvaged bamboo, willow and pallet wood.
The project was developed by Falmouth University staff and students, with initial display stages on the campus at at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall. Nicknamed the‘ Basket Shark’, the artwork was then installed at Royal William Yard in Plymouth to mark Shark Month with the Shark Trust.
A long-time BSAC diver whose art often explores his affinity for the sea, Duncan created a series of preparatory drawings as
70 years of Oxford BSAC
28 he planned the life-size sculpture. After its summer of high profile appearances, the shark wintered under an awning at Falmouth Uni’ s Woodlane campus in Cornwall.“ You can walk by and say hello,” Duncan says.“ She’ s looking a little tired and wintery after the many exertions last summer but she’ ll again be joining the performative fun this year alongside a new wicker partner. Saving our beautiful seas, bringing creative people together and highlighting our wonderful marine wildlife.”
So what has Duncan got in mind for
AT OXFORD BSAC SCUBA DIVING CLUB we recently marked an impressive milestone, celebrating our 70th anniversary with a well-attended awards evening that brought together current members, alumni, and friends from the wider diving community.
his 2026 wicker creation? He is looking at various possibilities for squid, octopus or cuttlefish, with the aim of creating a giant mechanical sculpture for summer 2026 and his own environmental project, @ beachbeasties. Preliminary drawings and a colossal squid sand sculpture have already created as Duncan moves towards his cephalopod vision.“ I’ m still flip-flopping between the story and performative potentials either octopus, squid or cuttlefish,” he says.
SCUBA will keep you posted when this summer’ s star cephalopod is unveiled. SIMON ROGERSON – SCUBA Editor
The event highlighted the club’ s strong sense of camaraderie, with a series of awards recognising outstanding contributions from our volunteers both in and out of the water, alongside a successful raffle supported by generous donations from BSAC and local businesses. With awards for dedicated dive leadership and emerging talent, the evening showcased the depth of experience and enthusiasm within the club and set an exciting tone for the year ahead, with a full programme of diving both from the club hardboat in Plymouth and social activities already on the horizon. JACK FULLER, Chair, Oxford BSAC