What is Seasearch?

Seasearch is a national project for volunteer sports divers who have an interest in what they're seeing under water, want to learn more and want to help protect the marine environment. The main aim is to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone, up to about 5 miles off the coast or 30m depth around the whole of the British Isles. In addition we are recording what lives in each area, establishing the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection.

Seasearch is flourishing in other areas of the UK and data from the project has already contributed to the creation of marine reserves and the protection of species such as the sea fan. Thanks to recent funding support Seasearch is now doing well in the north and south of Ireland and the data gathered is being used in protecting the marine environment.

You don't need any experience in marine biology to take part in Seasearch - just enthusiasm! Divers should be qualified to a minimum of BSAC Sports diver, PADI rescue diver or equivalent. If you would like to get involved please get in touch. We are happy to come and give a short talk to your dive club if you would like to find out more.