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.
The GO Diving Show – the only consumer dive and travel show in the UK – returns to the NAEC Stoneleigh on 1-2 March 2025, just in time to kick off the new season, and early bird 2-for-1 tickets are now available, representing fantastic value for money.
Buy your ticket before 31 January 2025 for £17.50, and get your buddy, your spouse or your best friend in with you absolutely free! Or why not bring that non-diving mate along so they can see all of the wonders of the underwater world they are missing out on!
Effectively, the 2-for-1 offer equates to each ticket being just £8.75. And as always, this includes complimentary parking. And under-16s go free of charge, so bring the kids along for a fabulous family day out!
The Main Stage headline presenter is TV star, author and adventurer Steve Backshall, making a welcome return to the GO Diving Show after a few years away. He’ll be joined by NASA-trained NEEMO Aquanaut and Head of Scientific Research at DEEP Dawn Kernagis, fellow TV presenter, author and perennial favourite Monty Halls, and the dynamic duo of explorers Rannva Joermundsson and Maria Bollerup, who will be talking about their recent Expedition Buteng in Indonesia.
The dedicated UK Stage, Tech Stage, Photo Stage and Inspiration Stage are filling up with some familiar faces and a host of fresh speakers, and the show floor is getting fill to capacity with hundreds of exhibitors, including tour operators, resorts, dive centres, liveaboards, tourist boards, training agencies, manufacturers, retailers, and the ever-popular British Isles Experience.
You can take advantage of the Go Diving Show 2-for-1 ticket deal here.
Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.
This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.
Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.
Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.
“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”
Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.
The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.
Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.
The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.
For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com
For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/
Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe
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