SCUBAHUB
Operation Oyster
Surprises on Mull exped
BSAC ’ S FLAGSHIP MARINE PROJECT OPERATION OYSTER HAS UNCOVERED SOME significant findings during its recent expeditions to the Sound of Mull .
Over two weeks in July , 12 divers from nine clubs joined the Operation Oyster team to explore key sites around Mull , searching for evidence of the endangered Ostrea edulis , the UK ’ s native oyster .
The aim of the two expeditions was to look for evidence of historic oyster populations at key sites . And while the team expected to find some signs of ancient oyster beds , the results took everyone by surprise .
Operation Oyster project coordinator Andy Hunt explains : “ We found old oyster shells where we were not expecting to find any . And while we didn ’ t expect to find evidence of native oysters in water below 2m , we discovered shells as deep as 35m .
“ On some sites such as the Thesis , it was just a single shell but , on others , there were more substantial hoards – handfuls of very old oyster shells . We also found a ‘ jackpot ’ site , where live native oysters were found , as well as a substantial cache of very old and large native oyster shells in a secret location .”
The UK ’ s native oyster population has experienced a steep decline over the past 200 years due to overfishing , pollution , and habitat loss . Operation Oyster is working to help secure the species ’ long-term future by collecting essential data on live and ancient oyster beds around the UK .
Data obtained during the Sound of Mull expeditions will feed into national and international scientific databases to help
Ancient oyster
Evidence of how large the native oyster can grow . Image courtesy of Danny Renton from Seawilding .
Week one expedition team
inform decisions about future oyster bed restoration projects .
Operation Oyster get involved
Divers and snorkellers are encouraged to incorporate oyster data gathering into their regular diving and club activities throughout the year . For more information on Operation Oyster , future expeditions , and how you can record your findings , go to bsac . com / operationoyster
Benefit of the Month
Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need
MAKE THE MOST OF THE LAST weeks of summer and get some new outdoor gear , thanks to your exclusive BSAC member benefits . If you ’ re planning a topside adventure , looking to get fit , or just need some more clothing for your surface interval , then your BSAC membership can help .
BSAC partners Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need are offering members 15 % off a wide range of outdoor clothing , running gear and equipment . Which means you could save on camping gear , outdoor kit or treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes . You could even stock up on your outdoor winter gear in time for when the weather gets cooler .
The Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need discount can be used both online and in-store . All you need is your BSAC membership card ( for store purchases ) or a discount code if shopping online *. You can also use the discount in ski clothing retailer , Snow + Rock .
So , now ’ s the time to look forward to more outdoor adventures , topside or on the water , knowing that with benefit partners Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need , you have your clothing sorted .
For more information on BSAC member benefits , including your 15 % Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need discount , go to bsac . com / benefits
* Terms and conditions apply . Some selected lines are exempt from the offer .
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