Photo credit: Project Seagrass
This summer Project Seagrass is asking BSAC divers to help collect 1.5 million seagrass seeds from the healthy and vibrant meadows of Porthdinllaen, on North Wales' scenic Llŷn Peninsula.
BSAC's conservation partner is offering an exciting volunteering opportunity to contribute towards the protection and restoration of one of the UK’s most biodiverse marine habitats: seagrass meadows (Zostera marina).
Project Seagrass is a global facing environmental charity devoted to the conservation of seagrass ecosystems through research, community and action.
As part of the Seagrass Ocean Rescue project in North Wales (in partnership with WWF UK, North Wales Wildlife Trust, PLAS SAC and Swansea University), Project Seagrass will plant 10 hectares of seagrass across North Wales to restore native seagrass meadows.
To meet their restoration goals, this summer the team need to collect 1.5 million seagrass seeds from the healthy and vibrant meadows of Porthdinllaen, on North Wales' scenic Llŷn Peninsula. Alongside their own HSE dive team, there is space for independent groups of experienced UK volunteer divers to help collect seeds from the Porthdinllaen meadows from Saturday 3rd August to Friday 9th August 2024.
Volunteer requirements
In order to take part, volunteer divers must be at least BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent to get involved. You will have to bring your own scuba equipment and will be diving in your own independent dive groups, providing your own safety considerations (shore cover, dive plans etc.). Dives may be undertaken from the Porthdinllaen beach (transport down to the beach will be provided), but any groups with access to their own dive boat are more than welcome! Project Seagrass will assist in arranging boat launches from the nearby Nefyn slip.
Divers will be required to fill out medical declarations in advance.
Information
- Location: Porthdinllaen, North Wales.
- When: Saturday 3rd August to Friday 9th August 2024.
- What: Identify and collect seagrass ‘spathes’, small pods that contain seagrass seeds.
Whilst the organisers are unable to cover costs for scuba cylinder fills or transport to North Wales, snacks and warm drinks will be plentiful on the beach! Toilets and changing facilities are present on site.
How to sign up
If you are keen to help out and would like to know more, then please complete the registration form and the coordinators will be in touch.
