Brixham Marine Conservation Day is a new initiative set to take place in south Devon on 30 May.
Local environmentalist Annie Wilson has invited organisations involved in marine conservation, education, research and tourism to get together to build awareness “of how we can help make a cleaner, healthier and safer marine environment”.
The event is free to visitors and participants alike. Brixham Yacht Club is set to host talks through the day from organisations such as the Community Seagrass Initiative, Devon Wildlife Trust, Brixham Sea Watch, Ghost Fishing UK (scuba-divers retrieving fishing-nets for recycling), Seiche Training (marine mammal acoustics) and the Marine Management Organisation.
Planned outdoor activities include a marine-mammal rescue demonstration in the harbour by British Divers Marine Life Rescue, a beach-clean and survey organised by the Marine Conservation Society, and a ghost-gear retrieval dive by Fathoms Free.
Manning stands will be the National Marine Aquarium, the marine science team at South Devon College, Plymouth University Marine Institute (Lyme Bay underwater video project), Sea Watch Foundation, the Shark Trust, Devon Seals in the Wild and EdFest SouthWest.
A marine-conservation-themed photography competition is being held in the run-up to the event (closing date 10 May), with winning entries displayed on the day.
“Everything seems to have just fallen into place,” says Wilson. “People are really enthusiastic about this event and keen to take part.
“We’re hoping that following the success of this year’s day we will grow the event to include both land- and sea-based conservation, education and research.”
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18-Apr-17
