Archaeologist wins prestigious BSAC award
THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARITIME Archaeology Trust, Garry Momber, has been awarded the Colin McLeod Award 2026 for promoting Nautical Archaeology.
One of BSAC’ s key annual awards, the winner of the Colin McLeod Award is selected by the trustees of the British Sub- Aqua Jubilee Trust for their contribution to‘ international cooperation and harmony in diving and associated activities.’
A marine archaeologist for over 35 years, Garry is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, a Fellow of the Society for Underwater Technology and sits on the board of the US-based Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology.
While his area of expertise is submerged landscapes and shipwrecks with a focus in the Solent, he has also represented UNESCO as an expert in Europe, the Caribbean, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Garry said it was an honour to be recognised by BSAC and receive the Colin McLeod Award.
“ This is particularly special at a time
when, as a BSAC diver, I am chairing the Accredited NGOs( which includes CMAS) for the 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. I hope Colin McLeod, who was once a CMAS Committee member himself, would approve.”
Garry will be presented with his award at this year’ s Marine Archaeology Trust AGM in November.
King’ s Baton Relay goes aquatic
The baton is passed to members of Chester SAC and Golden Lion SAC
BSAC RECENTLY TOOK PART IN THE King’ s Baton Relay when it arrived in Porthdinllaen to celebrate the forthcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The relay is a 500-day celebration held across the Commonwealth nations. In Porthdinllaen the baton was passed in support of Team Wales ahead of the games which began on 23 July.
As part of the day, BSAC took part in a celebration of the people and organisations working to protect and champion Wales’ s marine environment.
BSAC members joined the team from Project SIARC for an egg case survey, while young people from North Wales Wildlife Trust’ s Seagrass Ocean Rescue programme carried the baton into the water, snorkelling above seagrass habitats found in the bay.
The baton was then passed to BSAC volunteers from Chester Sub-Aqua Club and Golden Lion SAC, who carried it aboard their club RIBs, highlighting the dedication and community spirit of volunteer divers across Wales.
Mary Tetley and Lindsay Thomas, CEO of the North Wales Wildlife Trust
Snorkellers from Seagrass Ocean Rescue
Attendees at the King’ s Baton Relay in Porthdinllaen
7