CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE FOR DIVERS AND SNORKELERS

The South West has an outstanding number of dive sites, including wrecks and scenic reef dives. It is a highly popular location for divers throughout the country; at peak times up to 300 divers a day visit the artificial reef HMS Scylla. Divers also support the local economy via boat charters, accommodation and eating out.

We consider anyone who uses SCUBA gear for recreational purposes as a diver; whether that's visiting wrecks, exploring reefs, drift diving or even collecting scallops for dinner. Snorkelers include people who like to snorkel to explore the marine environment as well as those who spearfish for bass and pollack etc.

Divers and snorkelers are often the first to notice changes in the marine environment and have valuable knowledge which could contribute to the establishment of the MPA network. We are working with local dive clubs to interview divers, and are liaising with BSAC and PADI to ensure that as many divers and snorkelers as possible know about the Finding Sanctuary project, understand what it is doing and are able to engage and input their activity information, knowledge and opinions. The Finding Sanctuary website and interactive map has played an important role in gathering this information.

Communication with divers and snorkelers has happened through word of mouth and through articles and notices in popular dive magazines such as Diver and DIVE, as well as websites. Divers are represented on our Steering Group.