This article is from page 41 of the 2008-08-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 41 JPG
A PIONEERING new initiative, de- signed to map and conserve the sea- life around the Irish coast began in Doolin last weekend.
Sea Search is the first course of its kind ever to be held in the country and the organisers believe that it will prove a critical step in the fight to preserve precious fish stocks and plant life.
The course, which is organised by the Burren Sub Aqua Club, gives divers the skills required to create the first map of the sea life off Ireland’s coast. “This 1s the first time a course
like this has ever been tried in Ire- land. It’s a bit of a test in many ways, and the Irish Underwater Council might decide to broaden it out around the country,’ said Tadhg O’Brien of the Burren Sub Aqua Club.
“The long-term goal of this is to create a map of the sea-life and plants around [Ireland and track how that is changing. “Sea Search aims to use sports divers to record marine life in their particular areas and to build up a database as to what is happening with the marine life over time. This is critical information for the bigger, long-term goal of preserving the ma- rine environment into the future.”
Undertaking work of this kind is aimed at experienced divers with good experience under their belts.
“It’s a simple enough idea, where divers just have to take note of the animal and plant life that they see when they dive in specific spots. The course will train divers up to become observers and to have enough infor- mation to recognise different species and record what they see,” continued Mr O’Brien.
“The basic equipment is a persons eyes and a simple slate for recording what you find and possibly a camera. It’s a simple process in itself but the key is to have the knowledge about
what you are looking for. The course is really for qualified divers. You have to be comfortable with all the other things involved in diving so you can concentrate on looking at what is around you.”
For more information § contact the Burren Sub Aqua Club on 086 8180044.