How the Seasearch programme is turning recreational divers into amateur marine biologists...
Seasearch is a programme developed in the UK and now used throughout the British Isles to allow recreational divers to become amateur marine biologists and collect valuable marine data whilst diving for fun.
Local Seasearch co-ordinator Tony Glen and DAFF Wildlife and Conservation Officers organised the third Seasearch training course to be held on the Island.
Chris Wood is the UK National Co-ordinator for Seasearch and led the training weekend. Divers were trained in basic marine biology and how to recognise common underwater plants and animals and the survey method developed by Seasearch.
A number of divers trained previously also did a refresher course to prepare them for a summer of diving that will help the work of the Wildlife and Conservation Division, and the DAFF Manx Marine Nature Reserve Project.
Trainee Seasearch divers took part in practice dives to try out the new skills they learnt on the course and all participants were keen to do more survey dives soon.
Seasearch co-ordinator in the Isle of Man, Tony Glen, is keen to recruit more local divers to learn the Seasearch survey techniques: 'We now have over 30 Manx divers trained up to Seasearch Observer level but we’d like to give more people the opportunity to participate.
'Keen survey divers can also progress to the next level of Seasearch Surveyor.'
Minister Phil Gawne emphasised the importance of local people getting involved in marine survey and conservation: 'Fishermen, divers and other sea users have the greatest understanding of Manx waters and the diverse marine life around our coasts and we need their expert local knowledge to help in managing our seas in the most sustainable way.
'Seasearch is a great way for divers to contribute their knowledge in the course of their everyday diving.'
'Around the Isle of Man we are lucky enough to have a great variety of marine species and habitats and lots of interesting underwater landscapes for divers to explore.
'Seasearch brings those landscapes to life and gives divers an insight into a whole new world of strange and beautiful sea creatures.'
Anyone who is interested in training as a Seasearch Diver should contact Tony Glen at: searchiom@hotmail.com.
Pictured: Seasearch divers record their findings.
