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.

We are currently in the process of establishing a branch of Seasearch in Northern Ireland. 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. More information can be found on seasearch.org.uk.
To participate in Seasearch, divers need to attend a training course to familiarize themselves with the survey methods and some basic species identification. After attending this course divers can either join in organized Seasearch dives or organise dives of their own within their club or organization.

For more information contact Claire Mullen - Seasearch Northern Ireland coordinator.