Seasearch - what is Seasearch?
Seasearch can be described as citizen science in action. The Seasearch project provides training to recreational divers so that they can record information while they dive. Information includes species records, habitat descriptions and unusual finds! But remember, once you have qualified as a seasearcher:
“Every dive can be a seasearch dive!”
There are various levels of seasearcher, from the average diver with an interest in marine life, to the obsessed nudibranch hunter. But at all levels of knowledge, the main aim remains the same: to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone around the whole of the Britain and Ireland. In addition to this, seasearchers are also recording the marine live that lives in each habitat. The data has and is being used to establish the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection. It is this data which has been used in part to aid in the establishment of the new network of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs England) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs Scotland).
There are various levels of seasearcher, from the average diver with an interest in marine life, to the obsessed nudibranch hunter. But at all levels of knowledge, the main aim remains the same: to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone around the whole of the Britain and Ireland. In addition to this, seasearchers are also recording the marine live that lives in each habitat.
The data has and is being used to establish the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection. It is this data which has been used in part to aid in the establishment of the new network of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs England) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs Scotland).It is this data which has been used in part to aid in the establishment of the new network of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs England) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs Scotland).
Seasearch Training
Whether you have taken part in a marine recording project before, or recording is a new skill to you, a seasearch course will help you increase your knowledge. Three types of Seasearch course are currently available.
Seasearch Observer
For divers new to marine recording in British and Irish waters. This is a one-day course aimed at giving divers new to the project and new to marine recording a basic grounding. At the end of the course you should be able to complete the Seasearch Observation Form and take part in Seasearch Dives either on your own, with your club or on dives organised by Seasearch Partners.
Seasearch Surveyor
For experienced recorders who want to increase the value of the results. This is a two day course which includes classroom work and also diving to collect data. Although since covid, it may be possible to do this course on line.
Special Interest Courses
A range of ID and techniques courses for people who want to expand their knowledge; such as fish, bryzoans and hydroids and soon hopefully sea-squirts too.
Further Information
For more information on courses, books for sale and everything else, please see the national seasearch web site: http://www.seasearch.org.uk
The website also has a calendar on it which shows when and where organised dives and courses are happening. The north east diary is not so developed in 2023, but since we have a number of seasearchers and and a tutor in the club, it is easy enough for us to run seasearch targeted dives. We can visit new sites, help with identification of marine critters and habitats, as well as sign off forms if you are looking to get qualified. If you are interested in joining a course, please email Nicola Faulks, through CONTACT for further information.
Stop Press!
Tyneside 114 member finds new species for the Northumberland coast Click here
Tyneside 114 members have also been collecting information for the St Mary’s Island to Alnmouth Marine Conservation Zone, which has since been designated. For the full report please Click here.
Resource Centre
No longer are paper forms expected. If you click HERE you can use the interactive on line PDF forms. But you can still use the links below to download the paper versions to print: