ENVIRONMENT
Taking it further
Intertidal Affairs
Jane Maddocks gives her column over to Seasearch tutor Karen Boswarva , who sets out the importance of our shallow sea habitats
Snorkelling is a very accessible sport . It costs very little and gives people enormous fun exploring underwater . I was lucky enough recently to talk to Karen Boswarva about the contribution that snorkellers can make to recording marine life in shallow seas . Karen is a Seasearch tutor and is one of four Seasearch co-ordinators in Scotland . She was recently involved in running a Seasearch observer ’ s course for snorkellers ; her understanding of marine life is something she really wants to share . The words below are hers , not mine , and are directed at all those who enjoy snorkelling and want to take it further .
“ As an island nation we are truly spoilt when it comes to finding the perfect sea view . Our expansive coastline , including over 6,000 islands , extends over some 19,260 miles . It is a remarkable treasure trove of sea cliffs , caves , bays , inlets , channels , beaches , and rocky reefs exposed as the tide ebbs , all shaped by a rich geological history . It is these very features , combined with our tides and currents that provide a plethora of habitats that suit such a rich and diverse array of marine life .
Fringing our shallow seas , as deep as sunlight allows , are underwater forests as lustrous as any rainforest . Who has not marvelled at the sight of a kelp forest ,
packed together so tightly that it forms a three-dimensional feast of marine life from frond to holdfast ? Or the lushness of vast underwater meadows formed by seagrass , home to stalked jellyfish , seahorses , and the like . Two very different habitats , connected in their ability to provide both shelter and food for the micro to the megafauna .
Our intertidal and surrounding shallows are no exception , the plants and animals that live here are truly extraordinary , perfectly adapted to life on the edge of two worlds but so often overlooked . Walk on a beach at a low tide and it is peppered with signs of life beneath the sand .
As earthworms aerate the soils and keep them healthy , our burrowing tidal communities offer the same service to the seas . Other shallow species such as oysters are important for keeping our waters clean and clear . Historically , they formed dense beds , providing habitats that would otherwise not be present . Likewise , beds of maerl , a hard and spiky looking pink seaweed bind together and raise the seabed , creating space for species to colonise and thrive .
Sand mason worm on a maerl bed in the Fal estuary
Karen Boswarva
We are starting to take a greater interest in these shallow water ecosystems both as a sustainable resource and for their intrinsic worth , in particular the importance of protecting and restoring areas which promote long-term colonisation of these
‘ ecosystem-engineers ’. A key aspect is finding and recording where these optimal areas are and identifying historical , healthy populations as well as those in need of help .
Snorkelling offers the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the shallows and , fortunately , there are many initiatives popping up around the country that offer you the opportunity to get involved in some citizen science which plays a big part of this amazing feat , wherever you live . The Seagrass Spotter app allows you to record seagrass beds as and when you come across them .
Seasearch courses have adapted to promote the collection of snorkelling and intertidal records ; check online ( www . seasearch . org . uk ) for a course near you . Fancy recording oysters ? Get your branch involved in ‘ Operation Oyster .’ –
bsac . com / operationoyster Worried about making that first splash ? Why not run or join a BSAC snorkelling course ; or become a Snorkelling Instructor or have a look for a snorkel trail or guided snorkel session near you .
Throughout the UK there ’ s a wealth of snorkel trails set up for all experience levels , meaning you can leave the cylinders and dry suits at home , dust off your wetsuit , grab your mask , fins and snorkel and go off exploring your local coastline … you never know what you may find .” �
■ More information on UK snorkel trails can be found here :
42