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Shark Trust announces Mares and Scuba Schools International as new Corporate Patrons
The Shark Trust has announced its latest Corporate Patrons: Mares and Scuba Schools International (SSI). Corporate Patrons are vital to the work of the Shark Trust. Working together, the three organisations will promote shark conservation, engage a global audience and encourage divers to get involved.
The Shark Trust is the leading UK-based shark conservation charity. The team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays. Engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters, to further shark conservation. The Shark Trust works with corporate sponsors to create unique opportunities so that all parties, and of course, sharks, benefit.
SSI, the largest center-based diving organization in the world, fights for the preservation and survival of the oceans and created Blue Oceans. A well-researched, holistic program that is available to both divers and non-divers alike. The Blue Oceans program teaches participants about issues facing our oceans and how their individual contributions can help. More information on this exciting program can be found at BlueOceans.world and on the Blue Oceans Instagram and Facebook social media channels.
Richard Corner (UK Diving Brands Manager) said: “With a number of water sport brands in our group we are hugely reliant on the health of our waterways and the marine life that inhabits it. Over recent years we’ve increased our focus significantly on environmental concerns and hope that our future collaboration with Shark Trust will help us provide the most effective response in our battle to increase shark populations globally. We’re really excited by this partnership.”
Franziska Guttropf from SSI added: “We are very happy to work with Shark Trust and to support their fantastic work to protect and raise awareness of sharks around the world. We are very much looking forward to working together, because sharks are incredible, important animals that have received a completely false reputation from the media.”
Paul Cox (Managing Director of the Shark Trust) said: “We’re delighted to team up with Mares and SSI. Divers are some of the most passionate advocates for shark conservation. So this partnership will be a great vehicle for us to connect with divers internationally, share our story and engage more support for shark and ray conservation.”
Together the Shark Trust, SSI and Mares will be creating positive change for sharks around the world. For more information: www.sharktrust.org, www.divessi.com, www.mares.com
In a thrilling encounter that left a team of marine researchers in awe, a majestic minke whale was sighted during a line transect survey on June 15, 2023. The remarkable event took place approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Cardigan Bay, amidst an area teeming with shearwaters. The whale’s behavior, as observed by Katrin Lohrengel, Sea Watch’s Monitoring Officer, indicated potential foraging activities, as it gracefully engaged in deep dives.
This exceptional sighting is the first documented instance of a minke whale in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) since 2013, during one of Sea Watch Foundation’s line transect surveys. The significance of this encounter cannot be overstated, as it underscores the importance of continuous scientific efforts in studying and conserving the abundant marine biodiversity of this region. Notably, this is the first minke whale sighting in a decade within the Cardigan SAC, with sightings being more prevalent further down in Pembrokeshire. Additionally, another minke whale was sighted the following day, June 16, 2023, 11 nautical miles off the Llyn Peninsula during a separate survey conducted by Professor Peter GH Evans, Director of the Sea Watch Foundation.
Line-transect surveys play a pivotal role in Sea Watch’s research, providing invaluable data on the presence, abundance, and distribution of marine species in their natural habitats. The sighting of a minke whale further emphasizes the ecological significance of the Cardigan Bay SAC, highlighting the urgent need for sustained conservation efforts to safeguard this vital marine environment.
Renowned for their agility and inquisitive nature, minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) captivate with their smaller size compared to other baleen whales. These graceful creatures embark on deep dives, skillfully hunting for their preferred prey, including fish and krill.
The sighting of the minke whale stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the team’s research methodologies and their unwavering dedication. Moreover, it serves as a beacon of hope for future discoveries that can contribute to the ongoing conservation endeavors in the Cardigan Bay SAC.
As Sea Watch celebrate this momentous milestone, they reaffirm their commitment to expanding our understanding of marine ecosystems and advocating for the protection of vulnerable species. The team extends our heartfelt gratitude to the local community, volunteers, and stakeholders whose unwavering support has made sightings like this possible.
About Sea Watch:
Sea Watch is a leading marine research organization dedicated to the study and conservation of marine mammals in the United Kingdom. Through scientific research, education, and advocacy, Sea Watch strives to protect and preserve our marine ecosystems for future generations.
For more information, please visit www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk.
Pictured: Minke whale sighting off Cardigan Bay by Katrin Lohrengel/Monitoring Officer at Sea Watch Foundation on 15 June 2023.
Duttons Divers, who have recently announced a new hard boat to join their growing fleet over on the Llyn Peninsula based at Hafan Marina Dive Centre and a second dive centre that opened in January this year, have another big announcement to end the year on!
It seems that there’s just no stopping the Duttons Divers team as they announce their third dive centre opening – this time on Anglesey!
The dive centre will be open from January 2023, and is based just off the A55 at Llangefni Services, offering ease of access from all over the island and to those visiting for the day who will be passing by on their way to dive.
The centre will offer a fully stocked shop with all major brands, as well as a classroom and meeting place for teaching and briefings for the day’s guided dives around the island, equipment servicing and air fills – perfectly located to get your fills on your way too or from sites all over the island.
Owner Clare Dutton says: “We are extremely excited to announce the new centre. We have looked at Anglesey for a while, but the perfect place just did not come up until now. We wanted somewhere central that has easy access for divers to visit.”
If you would like to find out more about the new site, go to their website www.duttonsdivers.com
Minke whale spotted off Cardigan Bay – A first in 10 years!
New year, new dive centre: Duttons to open on Anglesey in January 2023
New North Wales dive boat for 2023 season
