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Marine Antiquities Scheme nets 100 finds in first year

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More than 100 archaeological and historical marine finds have been submitted during the first year of the Marine Antiquities Scheme. This is an initiative launched to protect and improve our knowledge of the nation’s underwater heritage by encouraging the voluntary recording of items found in English and Welsh waters

A host of unique finds have been recorded by divers, beach walkers, recreational anglers and other marine users. Archaeological and historical discoveries ranging from Neolithic flints and Roman serving wares to post-medieval candlesticks and remnants of modern ordnances have been submitted, with location information and photographs of the items.

Launched in July 2016, the Marine Antiquities Scheme (MAS) is a joint initiative, funded by The Crown Estate, modelled on The British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and managed by Wessex Archaeology.

The scheme was established to enhance awareness of the nation’s marine heritage by helping characterise the archaeological nature of the marine environment. It also allows finders to learn more about their discoveries and gives the public access to data for research. The Crown Estate funds the MAS as part of its responsible management of the seabed and for the benefit it delivers in helping to derisk future opportunities using the seabed, such as offshore wind and other developments.

Central to MAS is a simple-to-use app that makes recording finds easy and gives finders immediate feedback, as well as instructions on their statutory obligations including the need to report wrecks to the Receiver of Wreck, an official of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Following the submission of a new find, a support team of archaeological experts undertake research on each item to learn more about its origins and history. The information is then published on the MAS database, which is accessible to anyone interested in the history hidden under the waves and provides opportunities for wider research.

To date, the majority of the finds have come from Kent and Essex, reflecting the especially active diving communities in those areas.

The almost complete salt-glazed stoneware barrel costrel, almost certainly German and probably dating to the 17th century. Pic by Tom Tardif.

The Crown Estate’s senior development manager, Matthew Clear, said: “I am delighted that the MAS reached 100 finds in its first year, it is a clear sign that there is a strong appetite for the voluntary reporting of underwater discoveries. The positive uptake of the scheme by divers, fishermen, and other coastal visitors has delivered a wealth of information which supports our responsible management of the seabed, and aids us in derisking future opportunities and encouraging investment.”

Wessex Archaeology’s Toby Gane adds: “We have had some very interesting post-medieval ‘onion bottles’ dating to around 1700 and what looks like a German salt glazed stone wear jug from a similar period, along with later dated square gin bottles, and pottery finds from the 19th and 20th centuries.”

While many finds are newly discovered, the scheme also enables those with legacy finds, recovered and reported in previous years, to submit them to the MAS database.

One such find was a salt-glazed stoneware barrel costrel, almost certainly German and probably dating to the 17th century. It was originally recovered in 1966 during a dive at a depth of approximately 60 feet. It was found along with two lots of cannon, cannonballs and lead sheeting at a site near the Channel Islands.

More unusual items reported include the remnants of a ships funnel or ventilator that was to be used in an art exhibition and a symmetrical 19th century surgeon’s pestle.

The MAS app is available to download from relevant app stores for iOS and Android phones and tablets.

Finders can also submit information on-line via an electronic recording form located on the scheme’s website www.marinefinds.org.uk.

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

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.

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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.

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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.

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Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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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.

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

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