3.3 Scientific

For each of the 12 dives on the Handa expedition, Marysya Rudska completed a highly detailed Seasearch form with fabulous sketches of her observations. In total Marysya recorded 106 species above and below the waves. “I observed a rich diversity of sponges, sea squirts, anemones, sea stars, hydroids, numerous species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and impressive lion’s mane jellies. I had spent hours studying my marine life book before the trip to be able to identify all the species on the spot.” Marysya’s Seasearch forms and sketches can all be found in Appendix 3.3a.

During their FCD practical exam in June, Clidive’s five candidates participated in a Seasearch exercise to record the number of pink seafans at two sites within Plymouth Sound, Firestone Bay and Duke Rock. The intended targets outside of Plymouth Sound were not possible due to the weather.

3.3.2 Underwater Archaeology

Our FCD candidates also undertook a project to record rust fins on the Coronation cannons off Penlee Point, Plymouth, and to record measurements for the recently discovered best bower anchor of the Coronation on Elk Reef. The FCD Candidates’ Report is in Appendix 3.3b. One of the candidates returned to the cannons site on a club trip to Plymouth later in the year and submitted video and photography of the site, which received good feedback. We have given permission for our images to be used by the team. The Coronation submission and feedback is in Appendix 3.3c. One Clidiver completed their NAS Introductory course this year and attended the NAS Photogrammetry course in preparation for future projects. The Clidive team at Scapa 100 submitted video from some of their dives taken using the Parlenz cameras that were distributed during the week to record features of the wrecks.

3.3.3 Other

Two Clidivers undertook training with Ghostfishing UK. Ghostfishing UK later presented at one of Clidive’s 2019 lectures and were very well received. More cooperation is planned. One Clidiver volunteered to take part in the Lobster Release programme of the National Lobster Hatchery.