Andy Hunt and Jane Maddocks after their dive
Operation Oyster ’ s new partnership
BSAC ’ S FLAGSHIP ENVIRONMENT project , Operation Oyster , has teamed up with scientists from the MARINEFF project to help protect marine life in the cross- Channel coastal waters .
The MARINEFF Project ( Marine Infrastructure Effects ) is a collaboration between France and the UK with the goal of developing coastal infrastructure that protects the ecological status of cross- Channel coastal waters .
This initiative has now provided an opportunity for Operation Oyster – BSAC ’ s drive to help protect and restore the UK ’ s
SCUBAHUB
native oyster beds – to get involved . Over the past 200 years , the UK native oyster ( Ostrea edulis ) has seen a 95 % drop in population due to overfishing , disease , pollution , and habitat loss . Operation Oyster aims to engage BSAC members , divers and snorkellers in helping to rehabilitate the UK ’ s vulnerable native oyster beds through a series of monitoring programmes and expeditions .
Andy Hunt , BSAC Operation Oyster lead , and BSAC Underwater Heritage Advisor , Jane Maddocks were invited by Dr Ken Collins from the University of Southampton to survey an existing oyster reef restoration project located off Calshot , in the Solent .
The pair took part in a dive survey alongside Dr Collins on a site located off Calshot in the Solent .
The site comprises some 20 specially designed reef prisms , each seeded with adult oysters that should re-produce and hopefully help build a new native oyster reef .
Andy said that despite the site being shallow and tide swept , the divers enjoyed decent visibility . “ During the survey dive , there was plenty to see and log for BSAC Operation Oyster , with examples of native and non-native oysters , competing species and oyster predators .
“ There was also a little excitement when evidence of juvenile native oysters was found , so we hope to visit the site again in the future .”
For more information on Operation Oyster and how you and your club can get involved , go to bsac . com / operationoyster
Revamped , updated compressor course
THE BSAC COMPRESSOR OPERATION Skill Development Course ( SDC ) has been updated to reflect the latest legislation and best practice .
One of BSAC ’ s most popular club SDCs , Compressor Operation is open to both divers and non-divers ; it ’ s the ideal way to learn how to use your club ’ s compressor and confidently fill diving cylinders to the required safety standards .
Following a review of the Compressor Operation SDC , key updates have now been made , including :
■ The latest compressor technical information
■ Latest versions of standards and cylinder markings
■ Air purity testing methods and intervals added
■ Updated air quality requirements
Both the student materials and the course ’ s Instructor Manual have also been refreshed , with improved graphics and design . All course materials are now available as digital only , providing convenient access as well as ensuring future updates can be easily made .
For more information on the Compressor Operation SDC go to bsac . com / co
Club compressor usage and BSAC insurance
BSAC clubs with their own compressor are covered by the BSAC Third Party Liability Insurance , providing the compressor is operated in line with the manufacturing guidelines and that is operated by a competent person . The successful completion of the Compressor Operation course is evidence of competency and so is an important SDC for BSAC clubs .
Compressor Operation can be delivered in-branch or via the regional programme of events . To find a regional event near you , go to bsac . com / events
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