SCUBAHUB
Beachwatch turns 30
Beachwatch images courtesy of MCS
WITH THE MARINE CONSERVATION Society ’ s project Beachwatch celebrating its 30th , BSAC is hoping as many of its members as possible will get involved in this year ’ s UK-wide beach clean .
BSAC has been a long-time partner of MCS ’ s Beachwatch . The initiative works with volunteers to record the litter found on beach cleans across the UK , providing decades ’ worth of data , which is then used to track sources and monitor levels of pollution across our shores .
Beachwatch volunteers collect the litter data throughout the year , and particularly during the Marine Conservation Society ’ s annual Great British Beach Clean , running from Friday 15th to Sunday 24th September this year .
The Marine Conservation Society uses the findings as evidence to lobby governments for legislative change to reduce ocean pollution , influence industry practices and drive campaigns to protect our coasts .
The data collected through beach cleans feeds into the International Coastal Cleanup ( ICC ) and has helped drive down beach litter in the UK . It has also influenced key changes such as the introduction of plastic bag charges and bans on plastic cotton bud sticks and microplastics in personal care products .
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said that in the
club ’ s 70th year , and Beachwatch ’ s 30th , she hoped as many clubs , divers , and snorkellers as possible would take to the beach and get involved .
“ Beachwatch has been tackling the issue of marine pollution for three decades and the data our members have helped to collect has been invaluable .
“ So , if you and your club would like to make a difference in BSAC ’ s platinum year , then add the Great British Beach Clean to your plans this September and help us to turn the tide on marine pollution .”
For more information and to sign up for this year ’ s Great British Beach Clean , go to www . mcsuk . org / beachwatch
Panaga Divers Wim Vrankx and Fady Hmade with the Heinke Trophy
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Glenn Perry who collected the Heinke Trophy in the UK
Oman ! What a journey
HEINKE 2022 WINNERS RAS AL HAMRA Sub Aqua Club ( RAHSAC ) have finally been able to celebrate , following a ‘ feat of logistics ’ to get the prestigious trophy to their Oman base .
A team of people in the UK and Oman worked to get the 27kg trophy some 3,700