News
Dive in to Scotland’s first snorkel trail
Scotland’s first snorkel trail has been created in the north west Highlands by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of its Living Seas programme, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
The self-led North West Highlands Snorkel Trail features nine beaches and bays on the coast of Wester Ross and Sutherland, where beginner and advanced snorkellers can dive down to see the impressive variety of Scotland’s marine life.
Highlighted locations include Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles, Camusnagaul and Achmelvich Bay. Marine life that can be seen at the locations includes dogfish, barrel jellyfish and sea urchins.
Noel Hawkins, Living Seas Communities Officer, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “The coast of Wester Ross and Sutherland features some fantastic sheltered headlands and beaches that are great places for snorkelling. The new trail is self-led, but we are hoping to establish a training programme for local people to become qualified snorkel instructors, and also a snorkel club at the local leisure centre to introduce younger members of the community to snorkelling and their local marine environment.
“Scotland needs healthy living seas that can adapt to climate change. The snorkel trail will encourage more people to explore the fragile habitats below the waves and the marine life they support, whilst also helping to raise awareness of the need to protect them.”
Lizzie Bird, Instructor Trainer, British Sub Aqua Club said: “Lots of people might think it’s too cold to snorkel in Scotland but the colours and life under the surface in places like the north west coast are up there with the coral reefs you can find abroad.
“Anyone can snorkel at any age as long as they are confident in the water. They don’t have to be fantastic swimmers and the best thing is it’s a way to look at a world that you rarely see.”
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “Scotland’s coast boasts some of the UK’s richest spots for marine wildlife, which is why nearly half of the visitors surveyed come to Scotland for our scenery and landscape.
“The snorkel trail is an innovative approach to marine and coastal planning that encourages use of existing infrastructure to help tourism diversification like this.”
The official launch of the snorkel trail is taking place tomorrow (Saturday 9th July) at Ullapool Harbour as part of the Rotary Club of Ullapool’s summer festival.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to follow safety advice including being aware of tides and the weather forecast, and never snorkelling alone. Snorkellers should also help to protect marine life by not taking, touching or teasing animals, plants or shells.
Four featured locations on the North West Highlands Snorkel Trail
Achmelvich Bay – Stunning sandy beach with rocky outcrops on both sides. A perfect beginner location with plenty of fish, shellfish and kelp beds.
Gruinard Bay – A headland offering great low tide exploration. Seagrass and kelp shelters numerous fish and shellfish, and rare maerl can be seen.
Mellon Charles – a former naval base dating to the Second World War. The sea beneath the old pier is a haven for sea urchins, anemones and wrasse.
Tanera Mor – the steep drop offs either side of the island’s landing platform make for great snorkelling. Kelp and crevasses shelter lobsters and crabs.
Life under the waves – five species to discover along the North West Highland Snorkel Trail
Maerl – an unusual red ‘coralline’ algae that develops a brittle skeleton over time. It can form extensive beds that are a habitat for young fish and an important carbon store.
Sea urchin – often colourful creatures that cling to the rocks and surfaces around our coast and harbours and can be seen clearly at low tide.
Ballan wrasse – a colourful spotted fish that is commonly found among rocks, kelp forests and reefs and feeds on crabs, limpets, and mussels.
Moon jellyfish – one of the most common species of jellyfish in Scotland’s waters, harmless moon jellyfish can bloom in large numbers in response to changing temperatures.
Common sunstar – a type of starfish found on rocky bottoms and coarse sand. A surprising variety of starfish inhabit Scotland’s seas, including common starfish, sunstars and brittlestars.
The North West Highlands Snorkel Trail leaflet can be found and downloaded from here.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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