Members of Coventry Sub-Aqua Club have been doing their bit to protect the marine environment, taking part in beach cleans and underwater litter awareness activities during recent trips to Cornwall and Plymouth.
Club member Elaine Gough kicked things off during a weekend away in Penzance, carrying out a beach clean at Longrock Beach on 4 May. Despite the threat of heavy thunderstorms, Elaine and her husband brought their plans forward and spent the morning clearing litter from a 200-metre stretch of coastline around the beach car park.
Their efforts resulted in 73 pieces of rubbish being removed from the beach. Details of the litter collected were submitted to both Clean Cornwall, which works alongside the local council to tackle waste issues, and the Marine Conservation Society, helping to contribute valuable data to ongoing environmental initiatives.
A couple of weeks later, on 15 May, Elaine carried out another mini litter pick at Bovisand Beach near Plymouth. Although the beach is relatively small, she thoroughly covered the area and collected 27 pieces of rubbish, the majority of which were discarded wet wipes. Among the more unusual finds was a pair of men's underpants!
Environmental awareness continued underwater during Coventry SAC's dive weekend on 16–17 May. Club members dived a number of popular South West wreck sites, including HMS Scylla, James Eagan Layne, Elk and Fairylands, while diving with In Deep Dive Centre.
All eight divers taking part agreed to collect any lightweight plastic debris or discarded fishing line they encountered during their dives. Encouragingly, very little litter was found, with only a small amount of fishing line being recovered by one diver. The lack of rubbish on these sites is a positive sign that divers visiting the area are helping to preserve these important underwater environments.
The club's commitment to marine conservation will continue on upcoming dive trips to Lundy and Ireland, where participating divers have again pledged to keep an eye out for any plastic waste, fishing line or other debris they may encounter.
Katherine Knight, BSAC Chair of Environment and Sustainability said:
Through simple actions both on the beach and beneath the waves, Coventry SAC members are demonstrating how divers can play an important role in protecting the marine environments they enjoy. It shows how all of us - whether divers or snorkellers - can help clean up our waters every time we dive.
Become a Marine Champion!
BSAC has established a volunteer network of Marine Champions who will work within their own clubs to deliver a range of grassroots environmental initiatives... and is aiming to recruit 100 by the end of the year!
Learn more and apply now at bsac.com/marinechampions
