News
Deptherapy Divers keep up conservation efforts online
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place worldwide, divers are taking to the internet for underwater inspiration and to develop new skills for when they can venture into the Big Blue again.
Team Deptherapy is no exception. With their May 2020 expedition to the Red Sea postponed and their July 2020 trip also in doubt, Deptherapy Programme Members are benefiting from the offer of free study materials from training agency partner RAID.
All current Deptherapy Programme Members are enrolled in the RAID Ecological Diver Academics Course. This course focuses on the goals and challenges of marine conservation and gives students a vital insight into the ecology of the oceans, which is so important to Deptherapy’s Protecting Our Oceans Project. Students learn proactive strategies and how systemic behavioural changes can really accelerate conservation efforts.
As well as a valuable learning tool, the chance to engage in this online programme as a group is a lifeline for those Programme Members who are struggling with their mental health during the isolation of lockdown. The charity has eight Programme Members, who were about to start their Open Water journey and continuing education courses within the next month, all of whom are experiencing differing levels of disappointment and need additional support.
Divemaster and Deptherapy Team Member Jon Beever says:
“I’ve really enjoyed the Ecological Diver Academics Course. It’s given me a much better understanding of conservation issues and it’s a great way to keep up my interest in diving while we have to stay dry. Although I’ve been working from home during the lockdown, many of the guys are at a loose end and the course has been pivotal in keeping them focussed and looking forward to the future. We all can’t wait to put into practice what we’ve learnt on expedition.”
Director of RAID (UK and Malta) James Rogers says:
“RAID’s FREe-Learning is proving incredibly popular with new and established divers and instructors alike. I get a real buzz from hearing about people using this to prepare well for future diving adventures. It’s brilliant to hear that it’s also helping individuals get through this difficult and worrying time. Having seen first-hand how beneficial these programmes are, RAID has pledged to keep our e-Learning programmes FREE once the current restrictions are lifted.”
Having learnt about the academics of ocean ecology online, Team Deptherapy will develop their practical skills underwater with a two-week Eco Course, run by Dr Deborah McNeill from the University of Glasgow, and a later liveaboard expedition, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. More details on this project will be shared soon.
For more information about the work of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education visit www.deptherapy.co.uk.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Blogs3 months agoFreediver Christian Redl Sets His 13th World Record at Lake Neufeld