News
After the Storm
My wife Kate and I joined the crowds at Sennen in Cornwall during storm Imogen to watch the great seas march into the cliffs and small harbour. It was very exciting and the atmosphere was filled with an energy that only uncontrollable nature can provide. Then twenty four hours later it had gone and the seas had returned to the normal winter state.
We walked the beach to look at the aftermath which all said and done wasn’t too bad. There were a few feet of railing and granite blocks torn away from the steps to the beach and huge boulders had been thrown around which sooner or later would have to be moved. All fixable.
The sand had been drastically shifted again as it has been all winter, but I suspect if nature does the same as previous years, all the sand will return by mid summer.
Along the beach small piles of fish netting caught my eye and entangled in one of them was a dead Gannet. Very sad to see, but it wasn’t clear how it had died. It may have been caught up in the net while at sea and drowned, or it may well have died some other way and got washed in with the net.
Then I began to see all the plastic washed up and deposited between the rocks and caught in the shallow tide pools. Bags, bottles, plastic rope, and a host of undetermined synthetic detritus. But there was worse to come and yet not so obvious. Piles of small bits lined what was the high water mark. I always look closely at this stuff to see what little creatures have been stranded in what should be broken and mashed up sea weed. But it wasn’t organic, hardly at all. In fact I guess that around 90% was tiny bits of broken up plastic. This mini plastic waste is now well and truly ensconced into the marine food chain and has become a substantial part of the marine animals lives. Birds, fish, seals, whales, dolphins, all of them. These mini plastic pieces are eaten, clog the intestines and give no 
nutrition at all. Ultimately the animals starve to death or become so weak that they fall prey to disease or are unable to survive harsh conditions such as the storm we just had. Maybe that is how the Gannet died.
Soon, perhaps even on the next high tide, all the plastic and possibly the dead Gannet will be taken back out to sea and so out of mind. But for those animals who live in and on the sea, the plastic won’t disappear so easily.
While walking back and as I contemplated the waves of plastic still out there, Kate picked up a few bags and a bottle to put in the bin in the car park. It wasn’t much really, but imagine if everybody did the same. Walking along the beach and picking up a few bits of plastic to put away safely. Try it next time you are down by the sea.
If you would like to know more about plastic in our sea visit www.plasticoceans.net.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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