Clidive at the March for Clean Water, 2024. Credit: Simon Rogerson
Just one month in, and BSAC’s new Marine Champions initiative is already hitting the spot with clubs and members.
BSAC is aiming to create a network of Marine Champions within its clubs as part of its strategic mission to be ‘the go-to community for anyone wanting to learn about, enjoy and protect the underwater world.’
With the support and endorsement of their club’s committee, each Marine Champion will coordinate conservation activities such as Underwater Litter Picks, beach cleans, seagrass and oyster surveys. They will also support the development of future BSAC environmental initiatives, as well as lead on their own club’s ‘in-house’ marine conservation projects.
Since its launch in August, Marine Champion registrations have been steadily rolling in, with members keen to help protect and advocate for our marine environment.
Calshot SAC’s new Marine Champion Aaron Parsons said he decided to sign up to the initiative as it provided the opportunity to get his club involved in conservation. He explained:
Litter-picking becomes part of any dive, citizen science can bring a project to the club, and shore surveys can get the whole family involved. And, as a dad and diver, the health of our marine environment is a high priority for me.
Meanwhile, Sports Diver Diana Fisgativa said that becoming a Marine Champion for her club, Holborn SAC, meant she could also use her position as a diver to help make a difference.
Becoming a Marine Champion will give me the opportunity to bring a solid message to my peers and future divers about marine conservation.
Katherine Knight, Chair of BSAC’s environment committee, said she was delighted by the response to the initiative and hoped even more BSAC members and clubs would get on board. She said:
We are already getting a good spread of Marine Champions around the UK, and are also seeing some overseas registrations coming in, which is great news!
I’ve been impressed with the passion and enthusiasm all our Marine Champions have for the initiative – they are really motivated to champion our seas and waterways at a grassroots level. This is the start of a positive wave for change.
To apply to become a BSAC Marine Champion, you need to be aged 18+ and a member of a BSAC club. For more information on the Marine Champions initiative and to apply, go to bsac.com/marinechampions
