News
Campaign win for MCS! Scottish Parliament votes through Deposit Return Scheme
Scottish Parliament has voted through the final piece of legislation needed to confirm the implementation of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that MCS have been campaigning for, for over five years.
The MCS is disappointed that the Scottish Government has delayed the start of the system from April 2021 to July 2022, meaning our beaches will continue to be blighted by increasing numbers of bottles, cans and glass. They are concerned by what this delay might mean for other parts of the UK and are calling on all of our political leaders to ensure further work to move towards lower carbon emissions and a circular economy is still suitably prioritised.
“When the system eventually starts it will be a fantastic win for our ocean, so we still want to celebrate the news with you all, as we did not achieve this on our own.
Thank you to all of our Beachwatch volunteers for collecting that crucial data on how much glass, metal and plastic in the form of bottles and cans were turning up on Scottish beaches. When it is safe to do so, we will be relying on you to help collect that data again so we can demonstrate the positive impact of Scotland’s DRS just as we did with the 5p carrier bag charge.
Thank you to everyone that emailed MSPs and Scottish Government Ministers to ask them to look at the evidence and take the right action for our ocean.
Thank you also to all our friends and partners who helped make this happen. An especially big shout out to the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland who expertly ran the Have You Got The Bottle? campaign, of which we were proud founding members. This campaign coalition of over 100 organisations was crucial to the success we will be celebrating in July 2022.
To everyone who has helped us to get to this point in Scotland we and our seas cannot thank you enough!”
The UK Government has committed to implementing a DRS in England in 2023, a full year beyond the delayed date of the Scottish system starting. In Wales a similar date is being considered. MCS will be continuing their work to ensure this is the best it can be and that systems are brought in across the UK as soon as possible to help free our ocean of bottles and cans.
The Marine Conservation Soceity want to see Deposit Return Schemes rolled out across the rest of the UK to have the maximum benefit for our seas. Please watch out for how you can help make that happen.
For more information about the work of the Marine Conservation Society visit their website by clicking here.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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